May 2017

ELECTION 31.5.17Sun 31.5.17 FOR FOX SAKE - What has Theresa May said about fox hunting, what’s the petition against the PM’s vote and is it illegal in the UK? By Lauren Fruen - The Prime Minister has said she is prepared to allow a vote in Parliament on whether to lift Britain's ban on fox hunting - FOX hunting with dogs has been outlawed since legislation was passed by Tony Blair’s Labour government in 2004. But the issue is back in the headlines again after Prime Minister Theresa May said she will allow a free vote on the ban... (story)Sunderland Echo 31.5.17 Richard Ord: Fox hunting – back by unpopular demand - A fox ran up our street last week.... Of all the policies appearing on the parties’ General Election manifestos, the Tory call bring back foxhunting has particularly wound me up. Why on earth would we want to bring back this bizarre and barbaric tradition?... (story)New Statesman 31.5.17 Fox hunting is deeply unpopular - so why does Theresa May care so much about bringing it back? - Eight out of ten people support the ban, writes shadow environment, food and rural affairs secretary Sue Hayman... (story)Wolverhampton Express & Star 31.5.17 Britain's smallest parties: Meet the Animal Welfare Party - The Animal Welfare Party is one of a host a smaller parties trying to make themselves heard in the run-up to the General Election. We spoke to Vanessa Hudson, leader of the AWP, about how the party came into being and what its policies are.... (story)

Derry Now 31.5.17 Vegan campaign group speak out following vandalism of their posters - A vegan campaign group have urged people to take the time to understand their message, after one of their posters was vandalised in Coleraine. Go Vegan World has put up 50 billboards across the north recently, including 20 in Belfast and six in Co Derry. Three of the posters are in Derry city, two in Magherafelt and one in Coleraine... (story)

Metro 31.5.17 Campaign launched to stop Hamerton Zoo from putting down tiger that killed keeper - marcwalker1978 - A campaign has been launched to stop Hamerton Zoo from putting down the tiger that killed keeper Rosa King... Titled ‘Stop Hamerton Zoo from putting down the tiger who killed Rosa King’, it has attracted almost 800 signatures, with a target of 1,000 before it is delivered to the RSPCA. It was set up by activist Marina Livingstone, from Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, who writes: ‘Rosa King was tragically killed by one of the tigers she lovingly cared for at Hamerton Zoo.... (story)

30.5.17

'MAKE HUNTING HISTORY' MARCH LONDON 28.5.17Independent 30.5.17 Thousands protest against Conservative plans to repeal fox hunting ban - Lucy Pasha-Robinson - Thousands of protesters descended on Downing Street to demonstrate against Conservative plans to repeal the ban on fox hunting... The Make Hunting History march, organised by an alliance of anti-hunt campaign groups, saw thousands take to the streets surrounding Whitehall.... (story)Mail 29.5.17 Fox hunting vote pledge is ridiculous, says Oddie as hundreds protest in London - Animal welfare campaigner Bill Oddie has said it is “ridiculous” that fox hunting has been put back on the agenda as hundreds of demonstrators marched through London... (story)Metro 29.5.17 Anti-fox hunting campaigners march telling Theresa May to keep the ban - Anti-fox hunting protesters marched on Downing Street today to attack Theresa May’s plans to overturn Labour’s ban on the sport... (story)Mirror 29.5.17 Thousands of fox hunting protesters march on Downing Street to tell Theresa May to keep the ban BY NICOLA BARTLETT - Animal rights campaigners marched on Downing Street today to call on Theresa May to keep fox hunting illegal. Organisers said more than 4,000 people called on the Tory leader to ‘Make Hunting History’ in what they claimed was one of the largest animal rights protests in recent years... (story)Evening Standard 29.5.17 Make Hunting History protest: Thousands descend on Downing Street in anti-hunting march - PATRICK GRAFTON-GREEN - Thousands of people have descended on Downing Street in a huge protest against the Conservative Party’s stance on the fox hunting ban... On Bank Holiday Monday the Make Hunting History march, which is expected to be the largest public protest of the entire General Election campaign, saw thousands make their feelings on the subject known... (story)Ecologist 26.5.17 'Make Hunting History' march on Downing Street this Bank Holiday Monday - Prime Minister Theresa May has made several serious mistakes in her election campaign, but her biggest 'unforced error' of all could be her public support for foxhunting, opposed by 17 in 20 voters. Now a huge march to her Downing Street residence is planned for next Monday to 'Make Hunting History!'... (story)

ELECTION 30.5.17Gloucestershire Live 30.5.17 Cheltenham Conservative candidate Alex Chalk denies accepting support from pro-hunting groups - despite one encouraging members to leaflet for him BY MATT DISCOMBE - Cheltenham's Conservative candidate Alex Chalk has denied accepting support from pro-hunting groups. The North Cotswold Hunt this month encouraged its members to hand out leaflets in support of Mr Chalk in an email on May 17. Mr Chalk, the town's MP until Parliament was dissolved for the General Election, said he has not sought nor would accept support from any hunting groups... (story)AboutMyArea 30.5.17 Labour Denounces Tory Plans to Repeal Fox Hunting Ban - Adrian Houghton (Labour) - Theresa May's proposal to bring back fox hunting has drawn condemnation from Labour's parliamentary candidate for South Northants, Sophie Johnson... (story)

SAB ALLEGES ASSAULT AT SURREY UNIONSurrey Advertiser 30.5.17 Surrey Union Hunt investigation dropped by police over 'insufficient evidence' BY FRANCESCA PERRYMAN - Surrey Police has dropped its investigation into an alleged assault at a hunt in Bramley, as officers believe there is "insufficient evidence".... The video shows a confrontation between Surrey Union Hunt member, Mrs Lulu Hutley and members of Guildford Hunt Saboteurs.... (story)Surrey Advertiser 24.2.17 Surrey Union hunt 'whip' incident follows a rise in anti-hunting violence, says the Countryside Alliance BY MICHAEL PEARSON - A national rural organisation has said there has been an "escalation" in incidents between hunt members and animal rights activists in recent months. The Countryside Alliance spoke to Get Surrey following an incident that was caught on bodycam that appears to shows a woman "whip" an animal rights activist while the man is "pinned against a gate" by a horse. The alliance, which generally promotes issues relating to the countryside, said that nationally, activists "regularly" break the law and "harass" hunt supporters.... (story)StartsAt60 23.2.17 Princess Eugenie’s godmother under investigation - Princess Eugenie's godmother could be in a bit of trouble over claims she "assaulted" a protestor. We’ve seen members of the royal family and their distant friends and relatives in the headlines for the wrong reasons before. But this one is certainly different. Princess Eugenie’s godmother Lulu Hutley has been accused of “whipping” a protestor during a fox hunt over the weekend.... (story)The London Economic 23.2.17 PICS – Princess Eugenie’s godmother allegedly attacked an anti-hunt campaigner with a WHIP - Joe Mellor - Shocking images have emerged appearing to show Lulu Hutley, 56, joint master of the Surrey Union Hunt, lashing out at the male activist with a riding crop... (story)SWNS 23.2.17 Princess Eugenie’s Godmother Lulu Hutley Faces Police Probe After ‘Attacking Hunt Saboteur With A WHIP’ - Princess Eugenie’s godmother has been reported to police after she allegedly attacked an anti-hunt campaigner – with a WHIP. Footage appears to show Lulu Hutley, 56, joint master of the Surrey Union Hunt, lashing out at the male activist with a riding crop... (story)International Business Times 23.2.17 Godmother of Princess Eugenie, Lulu Hutley, under police investigation for 'whipping' activist By Ewan Palmer - The godmother of Princess Eugenie has been reported to police after video emerged of her allegedly whipping an animal rights activist. Lulu Hutley, 56, joint master of the Surrey Union Hunt, was captured lashing out at the male saboteur while she was with riding with huntsmen in Bramley, Surrey on 18 February... (story)TVNZ 23.2.17 Video: Princess Eugenie's godmother allegedly whips foxhunt protester - The godmother of a British royal has allegedly been reported to police after an incident with a foxhunt protester. Footage was shared to the Guildford Hunt Saboteurs Facebook page on Sunday showing Princess Eugiene's godmother, Lulu Hutley allegedly whipping a protester while horse riding in Surrey... (story)9News 23.2.17 Princess Eugenie's godmother filmed whipping protester - A British royal has allegedly used a whip to slash at a foxhunt protester during a fiery confrontation. Princess Eugenie's godmother Lulu Hutley was filmed by the Guildford Hunt Saboteurs at a hunt on Slades Farm in Guildford on Saturday afternoon... (story)Telegraph 22.2.17 Hunt master investigated by police after allegedly whipping saboteur with riding crop - A hunt master has been reported to police after she allegedly attacked a saboteur with a whip. Footage appears to show Lulu Hutley, 56, joint master of the Surrey Union Hunt, lashing out at the male activist with a riding crop... Protester Conor Macleod, who is in his 20s and was wearing a backpack, became trapped between a horse and gate.... Collin Skilton, of Guildford Hunt Saboteurs, witnessed the altercation. The 55-year-old, of Dorking, Surrey, said: "The saboteurs followed them on private ground because they suspected they were illegally hunting.... (story)Mail 22.2.17 SEBASTIAN SHAKESPEARE: Princess Eugenie's godmother faces police probe over 'whip attack' after altercation with hunt saboteur - Princess Eugenie’s vivacious godmother Lulu Hutley has been reported to the police after an altercation with a hunt saboteur. Footage has emerged of Hutley, joint master of the Surrey Union Hunt, allegedly brandishing a whip at a protester while out riding in Surrey last Saturday... (story)Mirror 22.2.17 Princess Eugenie's godmother Lulu Hutley reported to police after 'whipping foxhunt protester' BY RICHARD WHEATSTONE SHANTI DAS - Princess Eugenie's godmother has been reported to police after a video emerged showing her allegedly whipping a foxhunt protester. Footage appears to show Lulu Hutley, 56, joint master of the Surrey Union Hunt, lashing out at the male activist with a riding crop. Saboteurs say the video was filmed while they were monitoring the huntsmen during a meet at Slades Farm, Warlingham, on Saturday afternoon... The Surrey Union Hunt claims the clip has been taken out of context and that the hunt saboteurs, some of whom allegedly wore masks, were intimidating. A spokesman said: "You can clearly see Lulu is holding the whip upside-down in order to hit the gate, not the person... (story)Surrey Advertiser 22.2.17 Dramatic footage shows Surrey Union Hunt member 'whip' animal rights activist - Footage has emerged that appears to shows a woman "whip" an animal rights activist while the man is "pinned against a gate" by a horse.
This exclusive unedited bodycam footage, sent to Get Surrey, was shot by Guildford Hunt Saboteurs during a meeting by the Surrey Union Hunt on Saturday (February 18). A spokesman for Surrey Police has confirmed the incident is being investigated following reports of an assault at a hunt in Bramley . Conor Macleod, the man who appears to be pinned against the fence, said the activists were being stopped by Mrs Lulu Hutley from crossing over a fence to get to the nearest public right of way in Thorncombe Street... (story)RT News 22.2.17 Royal godmother accused of whipping fox hunt protester (VIDEO) - Princess Eugenie’s godmother has been reported to police after footage emerged on social media of her apparently whipping a foxhunt protester with a riding crop. Lulu Hutley, who is the joint master of the Surrey Union Hunt, got into a heated argument when activists attempted to stop a hunt on Slades Farm, Guildford, last week... (story)

Irish Independent 30.5.17 Night hunt ban is enlightening - The Campaign for the Abolition of Cruel Sports (CACS) supports a proposed ban on night-time shooting and hunting for seven months of the year. The ban has been recommended by the National Parks and Wildlife Services and would, if implemented, halt attacks on wildlife between midnight and 6am between September and March.... John Fitzgerald Callan, Co Kilkenny (letter)

29.5.17

ELECTION 29.5.17Telegraph 29.5.17 Theresa May heckled by hunt saboteurs over fox hunting manifesto pledge - Laura Hughes - Theresa May has been heckled by hunt saboteurs over her plans to give MPs a free vote on repealing the fox hunting ban. The Prime Minister was shouted down on Saturday night during a general election hustings in her constituency of Maidenhead. Members of the Hunt Saboteurs Association accused Mrs May of ignoring the views of "90 per cent" of the population, according to the Maidenhead Advertiser... (story)Mirror 29.5.17 Theresa May heckled by furious anti-fox hunting protesters at hustings in her own constituency BY DAN BLOOM - Theresa May has been heckled by anti-fox hunting protesters at a hustings debate in her own constituency. The Tory leader was interrupted by shouts as she defended her promise of a vote to scrap Labour's hunting ban. According to the Maidenhead Advertiser, the hecklers at a methodist church on Saturday night were members of the Hunt Saboteurs Association... (story)Maidenhead Advertiser 28.5.17 Prime Minister Theresa May attends general election hustings in Maidenhead - David Lee - The Prime Minister Theresa May faced heckling over her plans to repeal the fox hunting ban at last night’s general election hustings in Maidenhead. Mrs May sat on a panel at the town’s High Street Methodist Church alongside Labour candidate Pat McDonald, Tony Hill of the Liberal Democrats, UKIP’s Gerard Batten and Green Party candidate Derek Wall... While discussing her plans for bio-diversity in Maidenhead, members of the Hunt Saboteurs Association accused Mrs May of ignoring the opinions of 90 per cent of the population over fox hunting... (story)

Scottish Farmer 29.5.17 Licence proposal dismays game shooters - Gordon Davidson - FOLLOWING this week's hearing of the Scottish Parliament's Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, organisations representing the game shooting community have expressed their disappointment that the committee voted narrowly in favour of a course of action which includes examining the possibility of a licensing scheme for game shooting in Scotland... (story)

28.5.17

Sunday Herald 28.5.17 Courts must get tough on wildlife crime - In Rob Edwards’s article, it was suggested that, by refusing to attend Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime In Scotland (PAWS) meetings, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) is damaging initiatives to protect wildlife from persecution (Bitter war over illegal bird killings, News, May 21).... Instead of pussyfooting around fearful of upsetting those with a vested interest in breaking the law to reduce the number of raptors it is time for politicians, police and prosecutors to take a determined hard line and jail wildlife criminals rather than jaw about it.... John F Robins Animal Concern Advice Line (letter)

27.5.17

ELECTION 27.5.17Yorkshire Evening Post 27.5.17 Bus passengers warned of delays as anti-fox hunting protest staged in Leeds Anti-fox hunting protesters are staging a demonstration in Leeds - GEORGINA MORRIS - Bus passengers are being advised to expect some delays to services this afternoon due to an anti-fox hunting protest taking place in Leeds city centre. It is being staged by opponents of fox hunting... (story)Epoch Times 27.5.17 Britain’s Fox Law Jumps Into Election Campaign By Simon Veazey - Fox hunting has been a British rural tradition for five centuries—but for the last 12 years, the huntsman’s adversary hasn’t been a furry fox, but a fuzzy law. Fox hunting is a hot election issue, with the incumbent Conservative Party—widely expected to hold on to power—promising a vote in Parliament that could overturn the current ban... (story)Mail 27.5.17 Ukip would hold local referendums on fox hunting: Nuttall - Ukip would put the issue of fox hunting to a referendum if people wanted it, party leader Paul Nuttall has said. Mr Nuttall was asked about his views on fox hunting by Sid, a busker in Boston, while out campaigning... (story)Independent 27.5.17 Only one in 10 voters supports Tory manifesto pledge on fox hunting - Andrew Grice - Only one in 10 people supports Theresa May’s plan to bring back fox hunting, according to a poll for The Independent. The survey of voters, conducted by ORB, found that 64 per cent disagree with the statement that the ban on fox hunting should be reversed, and a very high proportion (46 per cent) say they “disagree strongly”. Just 11 per cent agree with the policy, and a quarter (25 per cent) neither agree nor disagree... (story)Lincolnshire Reporter 27.5.17 Lincolnshire Talks: Should we bring back fox hunting? - Sarah Barker - With the possibility of fox hunting being back on the cards, Lincolnshire Reporter has looked into whether it should be brought back. In recent reports, Prime Minister Theresa May has officially pledged a free vote revoking the ban on fox hunting implemented by the former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair... (story)

Bordon Herald 27.5.17 Death of animal rights campaigner - FORMER actress Mary Faramus, who helped lead the fight against animal cruelty in the Farnham area, alongside husband Tony, has passed away aged 88... The duo became familiar figures in the countryside in their efforts to break off the activities of local hunts.... (story)

WessexFM 27.5.17 Badger Cull protest march in Dorchester - Protestors against the badger cull are gathering in Dorchester. The Dorset for Badger and Bovine Welfare Group are holding a peaceful march which begins in the Borough Gardens at 12.30.... (story)

Malvern Observer 27.5.17 Malvern to celebrate vegan festival - Craig Gibbons - GREAT Malvern is to take part in the Vegan Festival of Britain celebrations. Worcestershire Vegans and Veggies (WVV) is setting up a stall inside the grounds of Priory Church this Bank Holiday Monday from 10am to 5pm as part of the three-week nationwide event... (story)

Hertfordshire Mercury 27.5.17 'The Vegan Vandals' are graffitiing Herts nature reserves By Narbeh_M - Vegan vigilantes have been scribbling messages promoting animal rights around Hertfordshire nature reserves in a spree of vandalism. The activists, who sign off each message as 'The Vegan Vandals', have left graffiti such as 'not your mum, not your milk' and 'I stopped drinking cow's milk when I realised I wasn't a baby cow'... (story)

26.5.17

ELECTION 26.5.17Huffington Post 26.5.17 Foxhunting Is A Bloody Distraction - Keith Taylor - I’m honoured to represent a party that has consistently and unwaveringly defended animals. Compassion for animals is in the Green Party’s DNA. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with animal advocates across Britain as we face a challenging future. The snap election campaign has revealed the gruesome heart of the Conservative Party, with Theresa May’s bloodthirsty plot to bring back fox hunting... (story)

Bradford Telegraph & Argus 26.5.17 Disappearing stones: Yorkshire stone thefts from village pathways prompt action - Sally Clifford - THE plundering of stone from communities has been ongoing for years. Considering the value of Yorkshire stone - coping stones, pavements and pathways can be profitable but at what cost to our communities?... Sarah Lee, Countryside Alliance Head of Policy, said "The theft of heritage stone is scarring our villages, churches are losing their identity and our heritage and history is being stolen. There is also a significant burden on home owners and authorities to put things right.... (story)

25.5.17

ELECTION 25.5.17Daily Post 25.5.17 Aberconwy election candidate denies fox hunting claims BY MARI JONES - The Labour candidate subjected to online sexual harassment after announcing she was standing to be an MP claims she is now the victim of a smear campaign...over her links to organised hunts. Emily Owen, who has said she would not vote in the House of Commons to lift the fox hunting ban, was accused of riding out with several different hunts in the past.... Robin Cross-Carpenter, from the Ban Hunt Saboteurs group, told the Daily Post: “She has stated she will vote to uphold the ban on fox hunting, but fails to mention she was an active member in it. "She was with the North East Cheshire Drag Hunt and Flint and Denbigh hunt.” Miss Cross-Carpenter also claimed that Miss Owen had removed posts from social media accounts relating to her involvement with hunts, but Miss Owen denied the allegation... (story)

ELECTION – Cardiff protestDaily Post 25.5.17 Theresa May anti-hunt protester flees Wales because of 'death threats' BY SHANE BRENNAN - An anti-hunt protester arrested at Theresa May’s election campaign visit to Wrexham says he’s had to flee Wales after getting death threats... He denied claims that he chanted, “save our wildlife, kill May” at Gresford. “I was actually shouting ‘save our wildlife, cull May’, because of her plans of the badger cull.” Connor, who spoke to the Daily Post but refused to reveal his surname, said that since his arrest he had been bombarded with death threats from what he claims are pro-hunting supporters: “I’ve had to leave Wales because of threats.”... (story)Telegraph 22.5.17 Protester arrested after reportedly shouting 'kill May' before Welsh manifesto launch - Helena Horton - A protester has been arrested after allegedly shouting "kill May" as the Prime Minister visited Wales. According to the Press Association the man, who said his name is Connor, was arrested after protesting against fox hunting as Theresa May arrived at a campaign event in Wrexham. When the Prime Minister drove up to the community centre, he reportedly played a hunting bugle and shouted "save our wildlife, kill May"... Later in the day, he was released without charge... (story)Daily Post 22.5.17 Watch moment police arrest protester at Theresa May's North Wales visit BY TOM DAVIDSON - A protester was arrested at Theresa May's launch of the Welsh manifesto in Gresford , Wrexham this morning... (story)BBC News 22.5.17 Hunting protester arrested at Theresa May manifesto launch - An anti-fox hunting protester has been arrested as Theresa May arrived to launch the Conservative manifesto in Wrexham. The 25-year-old man, named Conor, was arrested for breach of the peace after blowing a bugle and unveiling a flag as the prime minister's entourage pulled up... (story)ITV 22.5.17 Fox hunting protester arrested after shouting 'kill May' as PM arrived at campaign event in Wales - An anti-fox hunting protester has been arrested after shouting "save our wildlife, kill May" as the prime minister arrived at a election campaign event in north Wales. The 25-year-old, who said his name was Connor, played a hunting bugle before shouting out as Theresa May was driven to a community centre in Wrexham... (story)Sky 22.5.17 Anti-fox hunting protester shouts 'kill May' as PM arrives in Wrexham - A man protesting against fox hunting shouted "save our wildlife, kill May" as the Prime Minister arrived at an election campaign event.... (story)RT 22.5.17 Fox hunting protester arrested after shouting ‘kill May’ at campaigning PM (VIDEO) - An anti-hunt activist has been arrested after protesting at Prime Minister Theresa May as she visited a community center. The man sounded a bugle and shouted “kill May.”... (story)Mail 22.5.17 Man arrested over `kill May´ protest released without charge - A man arrested after protesting as Theresa May arrived at a campaign event has been released without charge. The 25-year-old, who gave his name as Connor to the Press Association, had played a hunting bugle and shouted “save our wildlife, kill May” as the Prime Minister was greeted at the community centre in Wrexham... (story)Mirror 22.5.17 Anti-fox hunting protester with a bugle arrested after shouting 'kill May!' at Tory campaign event BY SAM LISTER - A man has been arrested after protesting against fox hunting as Theresa May arrived at a campaign event in Wrexham. When the Prime Minister drove up to the community centre, he played a hunting bugle and shouted "save our wildlife, kill May", according to the Press Association... (story)Independent 22.5.17 Fox hunting protester arrested as Theresa May arrives at Wrexham campaign event - Andrew Griffin - A man has been arrested for protesting at Theresa May's visit to Wrexham... (story)Metro 22.5.17 Man shouting ‘kill May’ arrested as Theresa May arrives at event - Richard Hartley-Parkinson - A man has been arrested after protesting against fox hunting as Theresa May arrived at a campaign event in Wrexham.... (story)

Farmers Guardian 25.5.17 Farmer demands Hunting Act change after foxes kill 115 lambs - A FARMER who lost 115 lambs to foxes over the past four years has called for the fox hunting laws in England and Wales to be changed. Wyn Jones, who farms nears Machynlleth, mid-Wales, keeps his sheep between two big blocks of private forestry. He claimed the problems started when hunters were banned from taking more than two hounds into the forest to flush foxes to guns by the 2004 Hunting Act.

Express 25.5.17 Essex fox hunt punished with £100,000 court fees after booting farmer off land - A HUNT has been slapped with crushing court fees after booting a farmer off land his family had worked for generations. Terence Grimes and his father before him had farmed near Burnham-on-Crouch, in Essex, as tenants. But the trustees at the Essex Farmers and Union Hunt wanted more cash and granted the lease to someone else in September 2012. The hunt sent crucial papers to the wrong address, where Mr Grimes hadn't lived for seven years. .. (story)

Gloucestershire Live 25.5.17 Protest over bloody animal carcasses outside abattoir which are visible from busy road BY SETH MORTENSON SOPHIE FLOWERS - Bins overflowing with bloody sheep carcasses are so close to the main road that the grisly scene is visible on Google street-view, claims one animal charity... A demonstration was held by Gloucestershire Animal Save with assistance from the South Wales branch of the same organisation on Monday, May 15. The activist, Vikki Fauna, who is a member of South Wales Animal Save, posted video and images of the demonstration on social media, criticising the practice as "horrific... (story)

24.5.17

CommonSpace 24.5.17 MSPs ask Scottish Government to consider tighter regulation of grouse moor shooting - A SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT COMMITTEE considering calls for new regulations on shooting estates has called for the Scottish Government to intervene on the issue and make it’s position clear. The Scottish Raptor Study Group proposed a petition to the Environment committee calling for a licensing scheme for game bird hunting. The Environment Committee, by six votes to four, decided that the petition should progress onto hearing the views of the Cabinet Secretary for the Environment Roseanna Cunningham’s views on the proposal... (story)

Burton Mail 24.5.17 Animal rights activists hold protest as Foston slaughterhouse is fined By Nigel Slater - Animal rights protesters were this morning outside a South Derbyshire slaughterhouse, protesting after bosses at the firm were fined for failing to allow inspectors to provide samples which would have enabled them to investigate more about a fatal disease. Bosses at M Najib and Sons slaughterhouse in Foston, were ordered to pay almost £13,000 in fines... (story)

23.5.17

Swindon Advertiser 23.5.17 Hunting campaigners take their fight to Swindon's National Trust HQ - Chris Humphreys - A GROUP of National Trust members have brought their campaign to end trail hunting to the organisation's Swindon headquarters.... Helen Beynon, campaigner and author of the resolution, said: "As members of the National Trust who support the majority of the positive work they do - notably their recent commitment to increase efforts for declining wildlife - we have been dismayed by the constant media coverage given to stories of blatant criminal bloodsports on National Trust land... (story)

Oxford Student 23.5.17 Hunting: cruelty fuelled by human arrogance and elitism ByLizzie Shelmerdine - I grew up in extremely rural Oxfordshire... Hunt saboteurs first began working to prevent hunts in the 1800s. Twelve years after the ban, they are more active than ever in their efforts to shut down hunts, despite being labelled as “balaclava-clad terrorists” and “thugs” by the Telegraph... Not only is the white middle-class stereotype of the hunter entirely accurate, the elitism and classism that the ‘sport’ fosters is actively harmful.... (story)

Argus 23.5.17 Letter of the Day: You’ve lost my vote - I ALWAYS thought the females were the fairer sex who enjoy all things good like sunny days, flowers, honesty and many other lovely things,,, Not any longer. The reason being she intends to bring back the barbaric murderous so-called sport of fox hunting... Roger Lee, Firle Road, Peacehaven (letter)

Scottish Sun 23.5.17 'STEP BACK' - Animal welfare champions to launch bid to block u-turn on Scotland’s tail-docking ban on working dogs By Gail Cameron - ANIMAL welfare champions will launch their bid to block a u-turn on Scotland’s tail-docking ban in working dogs... charity OneKind is urging punters to object to the move, claiming it’s “a step back in time” which inflicts suffering on defenceless animals.... (story)

Guardian 23.5.17 Andrew Tyler obituary - Andrew Tyler, who has died aged 70, was a writer on the weekly paper New Musical Express (NME) during the golden age of rock journalism in the 1970s, but later turned his attention to journalism on social issues – including the treatment of animals – and latterly became director of the animal rights group Animal Aid.... (story)

Sussex Express 23.5.17 Animal rights protesters disrupt sheep-racing event - SUSAN KING - Organisers of a charity sheep-racing afternoon at an Isfield farm say police had to be called when animal rights protestors started 'harassing children'. More than 400 people attended the event at South Brockwells Farm, which had been organised to raise money for the restoration of St Michael and All Angels Church in Little Horsted, but trouble brewed when a group of women began shouting at participants - including young children.... (story)

21.5.17

ELECTION 21.5.17Devon Live 21.5.17 Fox hunting debate ramps up after Tory manifesto commitment By Alex_Richards, Martin Freeman - Battle lines are being drawn after the Conservative manifesto cemented a commitment to revisit the Hunting Act. The League Against Cruel Sports said the move was pandering to a "vocal minority who want to return Britain to the dark ages of animal cruelty 'for fun'". The pro-hunting Countryside Alliance said there would be "huge support" for the commitment as the 2004 Act banning hunting with dogs was "a misplaced and prejudiced attack" on the rural community... (story)Observer 21.5.17 Foxhunting belongs to the dark ages of animal cruelty - Most people in England and Wales want hunting with hounds to remail illegal, says Bill Oddie, president of the League Against Cruel Sports... Bill Oddie President, League Against Cruel Sports (letter)

Newcastle Chronicle 21.5.17 The story of a fox-hunting Labour MP who loved champagne and conning rich women BYMIKE KELLY - Blyth Valley MP John Ryman was a notorious 'bounder' and a curious choice for the mining seat back in 1974 ...(story)

Sunday Herald 21.5.17 Rural Scotland at war over illegal killings of birds of prey by Rob Edwards - Scottish ministers’ attempts to defeat wildlife crime are unravelling thanks to gamekeepers boycotting government meetings, and the abandonment of prosecutions over the apparent killing of birds of prey, according to wildlife campaigners. The Sunday Herald can reveal that the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) has pulled out of meetings of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime in Scotland (PAWS) because it doesn’t trust wildlife campaigners. We can also disclose that the Crown Office has decided not to begin proceedings on a case involving three allegedly poisoned buzzards on a Perthshire estate... (story)

20.5.17

Horse & Hound 20.5.17 ‘We’re blown away’: Equestrians pull together to raise £40k for paralysed rider - An online auction to raise funds for injured showing and hunting enthusiast Rob Walker has exceeded all expectations, raising £40,100 – more than four times the hoped-for amount... (story)

Echo 5.5.17 Appeal for horse man after he is paralysed - Chloe Chapman - A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched for a man left paralysed after a serious horse fall. Rob Walker, 49, sustained spinal injuries in a rotational drag hunting fall - where the horse somersaults over a jump and lands on the rider - in January while riding his horse Orbital... The Essex-based rider is being cared for at Stanmore Hospital, but his family is trying to raise money for him to be moved to the Injured Jockeys Fund’s Oaksey House for rehabilitation. An online auction was held earlier this week which helped raise vital funds towards the cost.... (story)

ELECTION 20.5.17Maidenhead Advertiser 20.5.17 Animal Welfare Party candidate standing for election in Maidenhead - Stephen Delahunty - The Animal Welfare Party (AWP) has announced its candidate to challenge Theresa May in the forthcoming general election. Andrew Knight is a European veterinary specialist in animal welfare science, ethics and law, and a professor of animal welfare and ethics at the University of Winchester... (story)Argus 20.5.17 Saturday Review: Fox hunting has no place in the 21st century - Keith Taylor - I’M honoured to represent a party that has consistently and unwaveringly defended animals.
Compassion for animals is in the Green Party’s DNA. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with animal advocates across Britain as we face a challenging future. The snap election campaign has revealed the gruesome heart of the Conservative Party, with Theresa May’s bloodthirsty plot to bring back fox hunting enshrined in the party’s manifesto.... (story)Mirror 20.5.17 Voter tells Theresa May to 'duck' the fox hunting issue as it will lose her support BY NICOLA BARTLETT - Theresa May was told to "duck" the fox hunting vote as she met residents in London. The blood sport is an "irrelevance" and will not win her support, a voter told as she canvassed support in Ealing Central and Acton.... (story)

Guildford Dragon 20.5.17 Feature: A Perfect Vegan Day - If I were to describe a perfect Saturday I doubt the first thing that would pop into my head is an early start, then heading out to try and convince strangers to stand outside with me, in the cold, to blockade a slaughterhouse and prevent giant trucks from entering.
But last Saturday (May 13) that is exactly what I did and it turned out to be the start of a perfect day. The perfection came later at the HG Wells Conference Halls in Woking where I experienced the second annual Surrey Vegan Fair. I was there as both a Dragon reporter and a stall holder with my activist team, Guildford Animal Save... (story)

Guildford Dragon 12.5.17 Guildford Businesses Gearing Up for the Surrey Vegan Fair By Megan Wilman - Guildford businesses are gearing up for the second annual Surrey Vegan Fair which is to be held on Saturday May 13. The Zebra Kitchen, a Guildford based bakery, will be on hand offering a range of vegan/free-from goods including rainbow cupcakes and desserts... (story)

Argus 20.5.17 Former Lush partners go to court after chief executive's relationship with Mark Constantine "deteriorated" - Darren Slade - A FALLING-out between two key players from the early days of Lush has led to a court defeat for the Poole-based cosmetics giant. Andrew Gerrie, who spent 20 years at the top of the company, decided to leave after relations “deteriorated” with boss Mark Constantine. A case at the Court of Appeal centred on how to value the 22 per cent of shares in Lush that he and his wife Alison Hawksley wanted to sell... (story)

19.5.17

Third Force News 19.5.17 Anti-fox hunting rally announced for this weekend by Robert Armour - Two of Scotland’s leading animal welfare charities are staging a rally in the centre of Edinburgh this weekend in their campaign to protect the laws which ban fox hunting in Scotland, England and Wales. The rally is part of a UK-wide campaign ‘Votes for Vinny’ calling on General Election candidates to support a cruelty free future for animals... Robbie Marsland, Director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland, said: “We are appalled that the Prime Minister has pledged to hold a free vote to turn the clocks back to cruelty, potentially bringing back fox hunting in England and Wales. ... (story)

Irish News 19.5.17 Ireland’s firearm-owning community on warpath - What has upset the firearm-owning community in Ireland is that at a recent meeting of the Firearms Consultative Panel (FCP), an Irish minister appointed committee tasked to advise the minister for justice, equality and law reform on firearms issues, a report from the National Parks and Wildlife Services... was presented to the meeting for its approval concerning the issue of night-time hunting. The use of firearms to hunt wild animals and birds at night is an ongoing issue in the Irish countryside with reports of illegal hunting, trespass, criminal activity and incidents involving the shooting of humans and farm animals.... JOHN TIERNEY Association of Hunt Saboteurs, Dublin 1 (story)

18.5.17

Spectator 18.5.17 Theresa May is dead right to want to rescind the fox-hunting ban - James Delingpole - Though I don’t think much of Theresa May’s paternalistic soft-left politics, I do like her no-nonsense style... So too was the extraordinarily unevasive answer she gave when asked recently why she was committed to allowing Conservative MPs a free vote on rescinding Tony Blair’s fox-hunting ban. ‘As it happens, personally, I’ve always been in favour of fox hunting,’ she said. Me too. But when you’re a mainstream politician — not a maverick backbencher like, say, the brave, lovely and wonderful Kate Hoey — you’re not really supposed to say these things.... (story)

CONSERVATIVE MANIFESTO PROMISES VOTE ON HUNTINGExpress 18.5.17 Outrage as Theresa May confirms vote to SCRAP fox hunting ban will be held By SOFIA PETKAR - THERESA May has confirmed plans to hold a vote on scrapping the fox hunting ban if the Tories win the General Election infuriating animal activists.... (story)Mail 18.5.17 Outrage as Theresa May confirms a Commons vote on scrapping the ban on fox hunting WILL be held By Tim Sculthorpe, Deputy Political Editor For Mailonline - Theresa May provoked outrage today as she confirmed she would call a Commons vote on scrapping the ban on fox hunting. The League Against Cruel Sports said there was 'no justification' for scrapping the law against hunting with dogs.
The lobby group said the controversial laws should instead be properly enforced, insisting the public as a whole did not back hunting... (story)Huffington Post 18.5.17 Theresa May Confirms Fox Hunting Free Vote If Conservatives Win General Election - Kathryn Snowdon - Theresa May has cemented the Conservatives’ commitment to bring back fox hunting by pledging a free vote for MPs if the Tories secure a majority in the General Election. The commitment would allow MPs to repeal the Hunting Act 2004, which bans fox hunting in its traditional form.... (story)Mirror 18.5.17 Theresa May officially pledges fox hunting vote in Tory election manifesto BY MIKEY SMITH - Theresa May has officially pledged a free vote on repealing the ban on fox hunting in the Tory manifesto. The document, unveiled this morning in Halifax, contains a pledge to hold the vote in government time.... (story)

Western Mail 18.5.17 A giant fox has appeared in Cardiff as part of an election campaign to keep the hunting ban BY WILL HAYWARD - Anti-hunting campaigners and a giant fox called Vinny stopped off in Cardiff to call for the hunting ban to be kept in place. The Vinny the Fox Cub campaign is touring the country as part of a pre-election move by the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS)... (story)

18.5.17 Tell Mrs May: Foxhunting must remain illegal! - Eduardo Gonçalves - It's election time and the race is on for public support, writes Eduardo Goncalves. So why on Earth did Tory leader Theresa May come out in favour of foxhunting - an activity loathed or disliked by over 80% of voters - at this crucial time, offering MPs a free vote on repealing the Hunting Act? Now let's put pressure on our candidates to keep the law against this cruel, archaic pastime.... (story)

Hereford Times 18.5.17 Labour Party candidate for North Herefordshire Roger Page slams 'out-of-touch' Conservatives after Prime Minister said she was in favour of fox hunting - Jessica Phillips, Senior reporter - THE Labour Party candidate for North Herefordshire has slammed what he called an 'out-of-touch' Conservative Party after the Prime Minister announced she was in favour of bringing back fox hunting... (story)

Bridgwater Mrecury 18.5.17 POLL: Should foxhunting make a come back in Bridgwater and West Somerset? - COULD fox hunting be making a come back to Bridgwater and West Somerset? Prime Minister Theresa May surprised many by putting fox hunting back on the agenda, announcing she was in favour of a free vote in parliament and saying she backed the controversial practice... (story)

CROYDON CAT KILLER May 2017Wimbledon Guardian 18.5.17 Decapitated body of black cat found in Morland Close, Mitcham - A decapitated cat has been found in the Mitcham Cricket Green conservation area... South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) believe one person - sometimes known as the UK Cat Killer or the M25 Animal Killer - is behind the murder and mutilation of more than 200 animals in recent years.... (story)Epsom Guardian 12.5.17 Family's cat found mutilated in Epsom garden ‘could be latest victim of UK Cat Killer’, South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty believes - Craig Richard - An elderly cat found killed and mutilated in an Epsom garden may have been the latest victim of the Croydon Cat Killer, an animal welfare group believes. South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) believe one person - sometimes known as the UK Cat Killer or the M25 Animal Killer - is behind the murder and mutilation of more than 200 animals in recent years... (story)

17.5.17

Birmingham Post 17.5.17 Fox hunting while the Earth burns - Peter Shirley - We might have hoped environmental issues would be to the fore during the next general election instead we got the Prime Minister saying she favours fox hunting and will re-open the debate... The problem here is that, by re-opening the debate, Theresa May is diverting attention away from the current Government’s poor record on environmental protection in general, and that for nature conservation in particular... (story)

THERESA MAY PROMISES FREE VOTE ON HUNTINGIndependent 16.5.17 Theresa May says she supports fox hunting because other ways of killing foxes are 'cruel' - Jon Stone - Theresa May has defended her support for fox hunting, arguing that foxes must be killed and that hunting them with dogs on horseback is the most humane way of doing so... (story)Western Morning News 16.5.17 If Theresa May wins the election the real hunting debate starts again By WMNJBayley - The Tories' pledge to allow a free vote on repealing the hunting ban if they win the election has put country sports on the political agenda, Philip Bowern reports. In general elections there are the important issues ... and then there are the things that really matter. It is often difficult to discern the precise personal impact of the really big issues. But specific policies which deeply impact on often small groups of people can be hugely positive, or really hurt... (story)Argus 16.5.17 Hove Tory opposes fox hunting but refuses to say how she voted over Brexit - Joel Adams, Reporter - THE Conservative Party’s candidate to unseat Peter Kyle at the general election has refused to say how she voted in the EU Referendum. Kristy Adams, 46, who is standing in Hove, told The Argus she did not campaign for either side but refused to be drawn on whether she personally voted Leave or Remain... She was, though, clear on her positions on fox hunting (against) and education, promising she would be a “bloody difficult woman” with the education department and would press for a review of the National Funding Formula which teachers have said will leave schools underfunded... (story)Bromsgrove Advertiser 16.5.17 Bromsgrove candidates Spoz, Saijd Javid, Michael Thompson and Neil Lewis face off over fox hunting debate - Emily Collis - THE four parliamentary candidates for Bromsgrove have faced off over the controversial fox hunting debate, after a poll on the Advertiser website suggested that the vast majority want it legalised. Theresa May is set to offer MPs a free vote on whether to bring back fox hunting, saying she has always been in favour of the blood-sport.... (story)Warrington Guardian 16.5.17 Theresa May faces backlash from RSPCA and campaigners over stance on ‘barbaric and brutal’ fox hunting - THERESA May is facing a backlash from campaigners after confirming she will hold a free vote on whether to overturn the ban on the 'barbaric and brutal practice' of fox hunting.... Dr Chris Clayton, from Cheshire campaign group Fight Against the Conservative Cruelty Threats, which holds campaign days in Warrington, labelled the possibility of the ban being lifted as 'absolutely disgusting'.... (story)Hinckley Times 15.5.17 General Election 2017: Theresa May reignites fox hunting debate BY MATT LLOYD - Fox hunting could be made legal again after Theresa May said she would allow Parliament a free vote overturning the ban if she is elected Prime Minister next month. The Conservative leader said she was personally in favour of fox hunting, a statement which has re-ignited the debate over the sport... (story)ITV 15.5.17 Should there be a ban on fox hunting? - Theresa May has renewed her pledge to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting.... (story)ITV 15.5.17 Theresa May says she has never been fox hunting but would offer a free vote - Theresa May has outlined her position on fox hunting during a Facebook Live with Robert Peston. The Conservative Party leader admitted that she had never been fox hunting but said that fox culling methods need to be addressed.... (story)Mirror 15.5.17 Theresa May gave a bizarre reason for why she backs fox hunts - even though she's never seen one BYMIKEY SMITHDAN BLOOM - Theresa May stood by her vow to allow a vote to bring back fox hunts - despite never seeing one in the flesh. And she bizarrely stood by bringing back the cruel bloodsport because other ways of killing foxes "can be cruel"... (story)Carlisle News & Star 15.5.17 Foxhunting return ‘nonsensical’ says former MP - A FORMER Cumbrian MP who backed the high-profile fox hunting ban back in 2004 has hit out efforts to overturn it. However local hunt groups have praised Conservative Theresa May for offering a fresh vote on the subject in the next Parliament. Then Carlisle MP Eric Martlew was part of the Labour Government that outlawed foxhunting with dogs,... But Michael Thompson, joint master of the Blencathra hunt, said the Conservatives should deliver on previous pledges... Joanne Charlton, secretary of the Cumberland Farmers' Foxhounds, said foxes are still a problem to farmers... (story)BBC News 15.5.17 Fox hunting not most important election issue - Theresa May - Mrs May said she had never been fox hunting but supported it and would let MPs decide whether "to bring it back". "This isn't the most important issue facing people at this election," she said, citing Brexit and the question of "who's going to be prime minister'".... (story)The Ecologist 15.5.17 Foxhunting hounds and bovine TB - why the official silence? Lesley Docksey - Teresa May's promise to bring back foxhunting has proved one of the most unpopular items in the Tories' election platform. So we should not be surprised at the official silence over the TB-infected hounds in the Kimblewick hunt, writes Lesley Docksey. Nor, given the political power of foxhunting landowners, should we be surprised that officials are shrugging off any idea that bad biosecurity in hunt kennels could possibly have anything to do with TB in cattle... (story)The Conversation 15.5.17 Fox-hunting row: playing politics with animal welfare - If Theresa May’s announcement of a UK general election on June 8 was a surprise to many, her pledge to allow a free vote on repealing the Hunting Act was hardly unexpected.... (story)Kent Live 14.5.17 We're not bloodthirsty toffs, we're hard working people - Kent's hunt reacts to May's fox hunt vote By Mary Harris - Theresa May's promise to give MPs a free vote on whether to end the ban on fox hunting has been welcomed by the area's huntsmaster who said the ban is "unworkable". The Prime Minister said on Tuesday she has "always been in favour" of fox hunting and will press ahead with plans for the vote if she leads the next Government.... Richard Gurney who is senior master of the Old Surrey Burstow & West Kent Hunt said: "The hunting community welcomed the Prime Ministers comments yesterday... (story)Sunday Post 14.5.17 Conservative Holyrood candidate Rachael Hamilton denies fox hunting link - Author: Rachel Wearmouth - A WOULD-BE Tory MSP is a member of controversial fox hunting clubs in the Scottish Borders, it has emerged. Rachael Hamilton, the Conservative candidate for the Holyrood by-election in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, rides with the Lauderdale and Duke of Buccleuch hunts – which have both been accused of animal rights abuses by the League Against Cruel Sport.... (story)Burton Mail 12.5.17 Opinion split in East Staffordshire on Theresa May's plans to vote on repeal of fox hunting ban By Rich_Castle - Opinion in East Staffordshire is split on a controversial vote that could see the UK's long-standing fox hunting ban lifted. Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed MPs will have a free vote on whether or not to repeal the Hunting Act 2004 – if her Conservative government is re-elected on June 8.... Mike Jones, joint master of the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt, said: "The act was a very poorly-thought-out piece of legislation when it came in. We're talking about something that's been going on for hundreds of years and has tremendous support across the countryside... (story)Sky News 12.5.17 Will Theresa May really be able to repeal the fox hunting ban? By Greg Heffer, Political Reporter - Theresa May faces having to win over a chunk of her own party if she is to push ahead with a vote to scrap the fox hunting ban. The Prime Minister has confirmed the Conservative manifesto for next month's General Election will retain the party's promise to grant MPs a free vote on the controversial issue.... (story)Stroud News & Journal 12.5.17 Should the hunting ban be repealed? - General Election candidates give their views - Matt Bass, Reporter - Earlier this week Theresa May reopened the debate around fox hunting by promising a free vote on repeal of the ban in the House of Commons if the Conservatives win the General Election.... (story)Southern Daily Echo 12.5.17 WATCH: The Daily Echo interviews Theresa May - Chris Yandell, New Forest Chief Reporter - SHE has been teased for repeatedly using the phrase “strong and stable leadership” since her decision to call a snap general election on June 8. But Prime Minister Theresa May had no hesitation in reinforcing her main message to voters during a visit to the Daily Echo yesterday as part of her election campaign... She also spoke about her pledge to give MPs a free vote on hunting with dogs. The current ban was opposed by countryside campaigners across Hampshire but the possibility of the bloodsport being made legal again after 12 years has angered the League Against Cruel Sports. Mrs May gave a clear indication that a debate on foxhunting was unlikely to take place any time soon.... (story)Wolverhampton Express & Star 12.5.17 Peter Rhodes: Never underestimate this foxy issue - THERESA May says she supports fox hunting and would allow a free vote in Parliament on repealing the hunting ban. Big mistake. Hunting is a pastime enjoyed by only a few thousand people yet it offends millions... (story) 12.5.17 From Fox Hunting To Cancer: Conversations With My Three-Year-Old - Saira Aspinall - Whichever side of the divide you fall, if you’re a parent of a small child, the revival of the fox hunting debate is incredibly inconvenient... (story)Western Morning News 11.5.17 Animal welfare groups attack Theresa May's pledge for free vote on hunting ban By WMNJBayley - Animal welfare campaigners have criticised Theresa May’s promise to give MPs a free vote on repealing the Hunting Act if the Conservative’s win next month’s General Election... David Bowles, head of public affairs for the RSPCA, said the Hunting Act had proved to be a useful piece of the legislative framework protecting wildlife in England and Wales.... (story)Gloucestershire Live 11.5.17 Which Conservative candidates would vote to bring back fox hunting BY BEN FALCONER - Only two Conservative Parliamentary candidates have revealed whether they would back leader Theresa May’s pledge to repeal laws which would allow fox hunting to be legalised… Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) said he would stand by his belief that the Act should be repealed… But Gloucester candidate Richard Graham said: "My view is as it has been for the last several years: there is no hunting in Gloucester and I have no interest in pursuing change to current laws…. (story)Independent 11.5.17 Is fox-hunting an effective form of pest control? - Ian Johnston - Theresa May's announcement that she has "always been in favour of fox hunting" and that the next Parliament would hold a free vote under a Conservative Government has put the contentious issue back in the spotlight. One argument often put forward in favour of fox-hunting is that it is a good way to control a 'pest'. But is this, in fact, true?... (story)Sun 11.5.17 FOR FOX SAKE - What has Theresa May said about fox hunting, is it illegal in the UK and what’s the petition against the vote? - By Lauren Fruen - The Prime Minister has said she is prepared to allow a vote in Parliament on whether to lift Britain's ban on fox hunting (story)Spiked 11.5.17 For fox sake, what’s wrong with hunting? - FRASER MYERS - Given the fox-like yelps of anger that greeted Theresa May’s recent proposal regarding an unpopular and unusual rural practice with violent undertones, you’d be forgiven for thinking she’d suggested introducing compulsory Morris dancing. Instead, the PM promised a free vote on fox hunting... In all seriousness, as a Londoner, I have to admit that I find fox hunting a bit weird. I’m even sceptical about the concept of a ‘rural life’ that needs to be protected. But the ‘f’ words we shouldn’t forget in relation to the fox furore are freedom and fun. Just as Londoners should be free to indulge in strange things like cereal cafés and sober morning raves, so too should our countryside friends be free to join a hunt. Let them have their fun, for fox sake. (story)Argus 11.5.17 Daily Opinion: We’ll fight tooth and nail to ensure fox hunting doesn’t return - Keith Taylor - I STRONGLY condemn that this week Theresa May has said she may plan to bring back fox hunting. That Theresa May has been forced into this admission is extremely telling.... Keith Taylor is a Member of the European Parliament for the South East and the Green Party’s animals spokesman (story)Left Foot Forward 11.5.17 Let’s not turn the clock back to the time when killing foxes for fun was legal - This post is by Eduardo Gonçalves, CEO of League Against Cruel Sports - Hunting foxes is back on the agenda. Britain’s voters have been waiting to hear what the next government will be doing on key issues like the NHS, education and Brexit, so it’s a shame that Parliamentary time will be spent on trying to make fox hunting legal again.... (story)Eastern Daily Press 10.5.17 Tally vote! A timeline of the Hunting Act - Chris Bishop - Hunting has divided politicians since 1949, when the first two attempts to ban it were defeated in Parliament. Here are some of the highlights of what’s happened since... (story)Eastern Daily Press 10.5.17 Should the hunting act be repealed? Or do Norfolk’s MPs have more important issues to tackle in the run-up to Brexit? - Chris Bishop - Prime Minsiter Theresa May has pledged a free vote on overturning the Hunting Act if the Conservatives win next month’s election... Bill Borrett, chairman of the West Norfolk Foxhounds, said: “There’s no change in the Conservative position to what it was under David Cameron.... (story)Halifax Courier 10.5.17 Theresa May supports return of fox hunting: What do you think? Have your say - JAMES REED - The Tories will renew a pledge to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting, Theresa May told voters last night. Speaking during a tour of the Leeds factory, the Prime Minister said she was in favour of the outlawed activity but MPs would be given the final say... (story)Plymouth Herald 10.5.17 Johnny Mercer promises new public poll on fox hunting if re-elected By samblackledge - Johnny Mercer has promised to let the public tell him how to vote on fox hunting if he is re-elected. The Conservative candidate for Moor View, bidding to win a second term on June 8, has pledged to run a "direct democracy" poll on the issue if a new bill comes to Parliament... (story)Redditch Advertiser 10.5.17 REDDITCH ADVERTISER POLL: Should fox hunting be brought back? - THERESA May is set to offer MPs a controversial free vote on whether to bring back fox hunting, it has emerged. The Prime Minister says she has always been in favour of the bloodsport and that it should be up to Parliament to make the decision.... (story)Mirror 10.5.17 Why does Theresa May want to bring back foxhunting? It makes no sense BYFLEET STREET FOX - It increases the number of foxes, and multiplies the number of idiots... (story)Mirror 10.5.17 Flapping PM too chicken to face our Mirror Fox after saying she's always been pro-hunting BY BEN GLAZE - Bloodsports fan Theresa May bolted down a foxhole yesterday to avoid the Mirror Fox and Mirror Chicken. The poultry excuse for a Prime Minister dodged our feathered and furry friends as she swooped into Nottinghamshire to hit the campaign trail... (story)Mirror 10.5.17 Theresa May outfoxed the Mirror Chicken again after voicing support for hunting - She did not paws to speak to your furry friend and his plucky companion, instead choosing to drive out the back exit... (story)Ipswich Star 10.5.17 Suffolk and Essex hunters and activists react to Theresa May’s fox hunting vote pledge - Matt Reason - The revelation that Prime Minister Theresa May supports fox hunting has been met with a mixed reaction by the hunts in Suffolk and Essex, who agree the current situation is unworkable... James Buckle, master of the Essex and Suffolk Hunt, said: “It is a complete fiasco at the moment. I think people on both sides of the argument would be able to agree on that.”.. Jon Evans, from Suffolk, is a hunt monitor and committee member of the Hare Preservation Trust. He said Mrs May’s comments smacked of “elitism”....

(story)Huffington Post 10.5.17 Theresa May Wants To Overturn Fox Hunting Ban: Here’s Which MPs Might Vote In Favour - Kathryn Snowdon - This week Theresa May confirmed she would allow a free vote in Parliament to repeal the fox hunting ban after revealing she has “always been in favour” of it. Yet just how successful a vote would be for the Prime Minister and her supporters remains in doubt... (story)The Week 10.5.17 The truth about fox hunting - The Week checks out claims that hunting is necessary to control the fox population - More than a decade after the hunting ban was introduced in England and Wales, fox hunting is back on the political agenda, with Theresa May pledging a free vote on hunting if the Tories win... (story)Cornwall Live 10.5.17 Theresa May wants to bring back fox hunting and will give MPs a free vote if Tories win election By CGMikeS - Theresa May said MPs will get a free vote on lifting the current ban on fox hunting if the Conservatives win the general election. Speaking on the campaign trail in Leeds, the Prime Minister confirmed she had always been in favour of the blood sport and said there would be a free vote on lifting the ban in England and Wales in the next parliament...(story)Leicester Mercury 10.5.17 What do Leicestershire General Election candidates think about the fox hunting ban? By danjmartin - Prime minister Theresa May's promise to allow an MPs a free vote on whether to end the ban on fox-hunting has split opinion between Leicestershire's General Election candidates... Tory Rutland and Melton election candidate Sir Alan Duncan is a staunch supporter of hunting and said it was perfectly fine to offer MPs a free vote on repealing the ban... Jewel Miah is the Labour parliamentary candidate for Loughborough. He said: "The law was changed in 2004. It's nowtime to leave this barbaric action behind... (story)Liverpool Echo 10.5.17 We can't call ourselves a civilised society if Tories bring back fox hunting - BY PADDY SHENNAN - Theresa May is scenting blood in more ways than one. And while people living in cities like Liverpool will be the ones to pay the social and economic price for five more years of Tory reign, a feared landslide victory in next month’s General Election will have the nation’s foxes running for their lives... (story)National Student 10.5.17 Here's everything you need to know about the fox hunting ban - Sally Hall - The debate into fox hunting has resurfaced after Theresa May said the Conservatives remain in favour of allowing a free vote on overturning the ban... (story)Huddersfield Daily Examiner 10.5.17 Local general election candidates have their say on how they'd vote on the potential return of fox hunting BY JOANNE DOUGLAS - SHOULD there be another vote to bring back fox hunting? Prime Minister Theresa May has said she would offer a free vote to MPs on the issue.... Conservative: Jason McCartney, Colne Valley, said: “If re-elected, and if and when a free vote will come forward, I will be listening very carefully to my constituents before voting.
“At the moment I am focusing on working hard on the campaign trail, focusing on the big issues of saving HRI, support for our schools and colleges and getting good quality jobs and apprenticeships for people.” Green Party: Andrew Cooper, Huddersfield, said: “I think it is barbaric to kill animals for pleasure... Labour: Barry Sheerman, Huddersfield, said: “We’ve been there and done that, it’s typical Tory clap-trap.... Liberal Democrat: Cahal Burke, Colne Valley: “I’m in favour of keeping the ban... (story)Third Force News 10.5.17 Outrage at Theresa May’s plans to reintroduce foxhunting - by Robert Armour - Animal welfare groups have reacted with outrage after the prime minister announced her desire to reverse legislation banning fox hunting... (story)Common Space 10.5.17 "Cruel and elitist": Campaigners damn May's support for fox hunting return - Nathanael Williams - UK PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY has been condemned for her statements yesterday (Tuesday 9 May) in favour of overturning the ban on fox hunting brought into law in 2004... (story)Bristol Post 10.5.17 Fox hunting ban could end as Theresa May says she wants to bring back the sport BY BETHAN EVANS - Fox hunting could be made legal again after Prime Minister Theresa May announced she hoped to bring back the blood sport... (story)Esquire 10.5.17 Theresa May In Favour Of Bringing Back Fox Hunting By Naomi Gordon - Theresa May has announced she's in favour of fox hunting, and has indicated that she will allow Conservative MPs a free vote on whether or not to bring it back... (story)Dundee Courier 10.5.17 VIDEO: Twitter reacts to news Prime Minister wants to bring back fox hunting by Blair Dingwal - Prime Minister Theresa May has announced her support for fox hunting and will offer Conservative MPs a free vote on whether to bring it back.... (story)Worcester News 10.5.17 'Don't repeal fox hunting ban', say 68% in Worcester News poll - Tom Edwards, Political Reporter - ALMOST 70 per cent of Worcester News readers say they are AGAINST the fox hunting ban being repealed - calling it "barbaric". A poll by this newspaper has found significant opposition to scraping the existing law after Theresa May revealed it faces being re-visited after the General Election... (story)New European 10.5.17 Hunting poll: Do you agree with May that fox hunting should be legal? - Daisy McCorgray - Theresa May has outraged animal lovers with a pledge to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting. The Prime Minister said she was in favour of the outlawed activity but MPs would be given the final say.... (story)Financial Times 10.5.17 Theresa May offers free vote on fox hunting ban by: Robert Wright - Theresa May waded into one of the most emotive topics in British politics on Tuesday, saying that she had “always been in favour” of fox hunting with hounds and renewing an offer to hold a free vote on overturning a ban on the sport.... (story)Coventry Telegraph 10.5.17 Theresa May confirms she wants to bring back fox hunting BY JAMES RODGER - The Tories will renew a pledge to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting, Theresa May has said. The Prime Minister said she was in favour of the outlawed activity but MPs would be given the final say... (story)Argus 10.5.17 Kyle slams May’s stance on fox hunting - Ben James - PETER KYLE has said he will stand against any attempt to bring back fox hunting after the Prime Minister pledged to hold a free vote on the controversial pursuit. The Labour candidate for Hove said: “I am not in favour of fox hunting and I will stand against any attempt to overturn the ban... (story)NME 10.5.17 Brian May slams “awful woman” Theresa May over fox hunting support - Brian May has criticised Theresa May over the Prime Minister’s renewed support of fox hunting. The Queen guitarist took umbrage with May after the latter announced yesterday (May 9) that she would allow Conservative MPs a free vote on whether to bring back fox hunting if the Conservatives win the snap General Election next month... (story)Farming UK 9.5.17 Theresa May urged to focus on farm welfare, not fox hunting repeal - Prime Minister Theresa May has announced she hopes to bring back fox hunting, renewing a pledge to hold a free vote on overturning the 2004 ban. During a visit to a factory in Leeds, the Prime Minister said: “This is a situation on which individuals will have one view or the other, either pro or against... (story)Daily Record 10.5.17 Theresa May confirms she wants to bring back fox hunting after secret Tory plot exposed BY BEN GLAZE JACK BLANCHARD -

(story)Herald 10.5.17 New Westminster vote on overturning fox hunting ban will be in Tory manifesto, confirms PM - THE Tories will renew a pledge to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting, Theresa May has said. The Prime Minister made clear she was in favour of the outlawed activity but said MPs would be given the final say... (story)Telegraph 9.5.17 The foxhunting ban brings the law itself into disrepute. It must go - TELEGRAPH VIEW - Bad laws should not be on the statute book and the hunting ban is one of them. Even Tony Blair, who introduced it after a titanic parliamentary battle with the House of Lords, later regretted having done so... (story)Telegraph 9.5.17 Theresa May pledges to give MPs free vote on fox hunting if Conservatives win election - Christopher Hope, Laura Hughes - Fox hunting could return to the countryside by 2022 after Theresa May said MPs will get a free vote on lifting the current ban on the blood sport if the Conservatives win the general election... , speaking in Leeds the Prime Minister confirmed she had always been in favour of hunting and said there will be a free vote on lifting the ban in England and Wales in the next parliament.... (story)Mail 9.5.17 Tory manifesto WILL promise vote on bringing back foxhunting as Theresa May says she is personally in favour of the controversial practice By James Tapsfield, Political Editor For Mailonline and Rebecca Taylor For Mailonline - Theresa May made clear the Tory manifesto will commit to a vote on bringing back foxhunting today - as she said she was personally in favour of the controversial practice.
The Prime Minister said her party would 'maintain' the pledge from 2015, opening the door to repealing the ban.
Answering questions from journalists on the campaign trail in York this afternoon, Mrs May admitted that there were strong opinions on both sides of the issue... (story)BBC 9.5.17 Theresa May: I'm in favour of fox hunting - Theresa May has indicated she will allow Conservative MPs a free vote on whether to bring back fox hunting. The PM, who says she has always been in favour of fox hunting, said it was up to Parliament to take the decision... (story)Independent 9.5.17 THERESA MAY ANNOUNCES SHE WANTS TO BRING BACK FOX HUNTING - Samuel Osborne - The Conservatives will renew a pledge to hold a free vote on overturning 2004 ban on the blood sport, Ms May said. During a visit to a factory in Leeds, the Prime Minister said: “This is a situation on which individuals will have one view or the other, either pro or against. “As it happens, personally I have always been in favour of fox hunting, and we maintain our commitment, we have had a commitment previously as a Conservative Party, to allow a free vote. “It would allow Parliament the opportunity to take the decision on this.”... (story)Mirror 9.5.17 Theresa May confirms she wants to bring back fox hunting after secret Tory plot exposed BY BEN GLAZEJACK BLANCHARD - Theresa May sensationally confirmed she hopes to bring back fox-hunting after the Mirror exposed a secret Tory plot to repeal the ban. Speaking in Leeds today, the Prime Minister admitted she has "always been in favour" of the cruel blood sport and will press ahead with plans for a free vote of MPs after the election.... (story)Mirror 9.5.17 The Voice of the Mirror: Theresa May's support for fox hunting reveals her true Tory appetite for cruelty - Reviving fox hunting in England and Wales is a warning of the horrors awaiting us should the Tories win a landslide in June’s election... (story)Yahoo! 9.5.17 UK leader says she's prepared to allow a vote on fox hunting - Prime Minister Theresa May said Tuesday that she's prepared to allow a vote in Parliament on whether to lift Britain's ban on fox hunting — reigniting an issue that still raises passions more than a decade after the practice was outlawed.... (story)Guardian 9.5.17 May says she will hold free vote on allowing foxhunting if elected - Theresa May has said she will hold a free vote on overturning the foxhunting ban in England and Wales if she is returned as prime minister at the general election... (story)Metro 9.5.17 Parliament to get free vote on fox hunting - Georgia Diebelius - Theresa May revealed today that she hopes to bring back fox hunting. The Prime Minister said she was in favour of the outlawed activity and added that the Tories will renew a pledge to hold a free vote on overturning the ban... (story)Sun 9.5.17 OUT-FOXED - Theresa May pledges to hold a free vote to repeal the fox hunting ban if she wins the general election
MPs will be able to make up their own mind on the controversial issue within five years By Tom Newton Dunn - THERESA May has promised to hold a free vote to repeal the fox hunting ban if she wins the general election.... (story)Western Morning News 9.5.17 Theresa May says she would like to bring back hunting By WMNPBowern - The Tories will renew a pledge to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting, Theresa May said today. The Prime Minister said she was in favour of the outlawed activity but MPs would be given the final say... (story)International Business Times 9.5.17 Theresa May wants to bring back fox hunting By Josh Robbins - Theresa May has announced that she wants to bring back fox hunting with a free vote in the house of commons in the next Parliament. The prime minister made the stunning announcement to reporters during a factory visit to Leeds as she campaigned ahead of the 8 June general election... (story)International Business Times 9.5.17 Theresa May wants foxes ripped apart by dogs for fun – this blood sport can't return By Mimi Bekhechi - Frightened foxes being ripped to shreds by packs of frenzied dogs: this is what Theresa May would like to see return to Britain after the upcoming general election. Speaking in Leeds, the prime minister said MPs will get a free vote on lifting the 2004 ban on fox hunting if the Conservatives win the general election... (story)Holyrood 9.5.17 Theresa May tells voters she is in favour of fox hunting - Tom Freeman - Theresa May has said she is in favour of a return of fox hunting. During a visit to a factory in Leeds in which she was accused of stage-managing questions from journalists, the Prime Minister later also took questions from workers.... (story)Huffington Post 9.5.17 Theresa May Wants To Bring Back Fox Hunting And Promises A Free Vote For MPs - Kathryn Snowdon - Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed she has “always been in favour” of fox hunting and will push ahead with plans for a free vote in Parliament if she wins the General Election.... (story)Plant Based News 9.5.17 Theresa May Threatens To Repeal Hunting Act and Bring Back Fox Hunting - >(story)Gloucestershire Live 9.5.17 What the Gloucestershire fox-hunting supporter who stormed Commons thinks about the new ban vote By janethughes - A Gloucestershire countryside campaigner who landed in court after storming the Commons during a fox-hunting debate has welcomed news that Theresa May could spearhead a U Turn with a free vote on the ban if the Tories win the election next month. Hunt supporter David Redvers from Hartpury was one of five men who hit the headlines in 2004 after entering the Commons chamber to protest about a ban on the use of dogs and says it should never have happened... (story)

Redditch Advertiser 16.5.17 'Don't repeal fox hunting ban', say 70 % in Redditch Advertiser poll - MORE than 70 per cent of Redditch Advertiser readers say they are AGAINST the fox hunting ban being repealed - calling it "barbaric". A poll by this newspaper has found significant opposition to scraping the existing law after Theresa May revealed it faces being re-visited after the General Election... (story)

Maidenhead Advertiser 16.5.17 Fox hunting protesters hold town centre demonstration - James Harrison - Protesters staged a demonstration in Maidenhead town centre to raise awareness of the Prime Minister’s intention to hold a vote on overturning the ban on the blood sport should she triumph on June 8. About 10 people with banners and fox masks pitched up outside the offices of telecoms firm Three, in Grenfell Road, today... “It’s the concept of the will of the people – except when it comes to fox hunting,” said organiser Yonni Wilson... (story)

Huddersfield Daily Examiner 16.5.17 Huddersfield taking part in 'world's biggest vegan party' BY STEPHANIE FINNEGAN - Huddersfield is joining what is being billed as ‘the world’s biggest vegan party.’ Animal Aid’s three-week Vegan Festival of Britain kicks off on May 20. Author and animal rights campaigner Clare Druce, of Holmfirth, will hold a talk in the town the following day... (story)

Hillingdon & Uxbridge Times 16.5.17 Masked volunteers show videos of slaughterhouses in street demonstration in Watford - Masked volunteers took to Watford High Street with laptops, where they displayed recent footage from slaughterhouses as part of the “Earthlings Experience” demonstration... Volunteer Kirstie Currie said: “I had a beautiful discussion with a gentleman who was deeply interested in the reasons behind our presence and after a deep discussion he cried and told me about his fear of dying from Alzheimer's, like his late mother... Demonstration organiser Brad Simmons also described the shock of some neighbours when they talked about the dangers of animal products to children’s health, and the carcinogens found in meat.... (story)

15.5.17

Birmingham Mail 15.5.17 These are the four banned dog breeds in Britain - what pet owners need to know BY AMY COLESJAMES RODGER - Experts are warning dangerous dog breeds are being sold and traded online with using code words. Under the dangerous dogs act 1991 four breeds of dog are illegal to own, breed from, abandon or sell... Emma Sobhe from the League Against Cruel Sports, an animal charity that campaigns against dog fighting, said the practice of trading banned dogs also happens on social media where trusted people are invited to secret online groups to bid for dogs... (story)

Malvern Observer 15.5.17 Animal rights campaigners raise money for Badgers Trust in Malvern - Craig Gibbons - ANIMAL rights campaigners have raised more than £190 for the Badger Trust West Midlands at a stall and street collection in Malvern. Members of Worcestershire Vegans and Veggies (WVV) were in the town on Saturday with some dressed as badgers while distributing leaflets to the public... (story)

Mail 15.5.17 Police commissioner quits over allegations he groomed a teenage animal rights activist while working as an undercover officer By Alex Matthews and Liz Dunphy For Mailonline - A deputy police and crime commissioner has been forced to quit over allegations he groomed a teenage animal rights activist while working undercover. Andy Coles, Cambridgeshire's deputy police and crime commissioner, tendered his resignation earlier today. He is alleged to have deceived a 19-year-old woman into forming a sexual relationship while working as an undercover officer in the 1990s... (story)

12.5.17

BONNIE ARMITAGE
Stroud News & Journal 12.5.17 Inquest into death of Bonnie Armitage, 9, told how farmer’s beloved ‘gentle giant’ horse kicked girl off her pony during Cotswold Hunt - Ann Yip - AN inquest into the death of nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage yesterday heard how a farmer’s beloved ‘gentle giant’ horse kicked the child off her pony during a Cotswold Hunt.... (story)Gloucestershire Live 11.5.17 The death of Bonnie Armitage, 9, at Cotswold Hunt meet was a tragic accident, inquest heard BYJOHN HAWKINS - The death of nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage at a Cotswold Hunt meet was a tragic accident, an inquest heard. The jury of 10 retired for an hour before delivering the verdict of accidental death at the one-day hearing at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court… After the inquest barrister Michael Rapp, representing Bonnie's parents, said "The Armitage family agree with the findings of accidental death. It was a truly tragic accident… (story)Gloucestershire Live 11.5.17 Father pays loving tribute to 'positive and popular' Bonnie Armitage at inquest into the nine-year-old's death BY JOHN HAWKINS - The father of nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage who died at a Cotswold Hunt meeting has paid tribute to his positive and popular daughter “who enjoyed everything.” Nick Armitage described his daughter as a “glass half-full type of girl” at the inquest into her death which started at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court today… (story)Gloucestershire Live 11.5.17 Circus boss Toti Gifford told inquest of the horrific moment his horse kicked out at Bonnie Armitage, 9 - Farmer and circus boss Toti Gifford told an inquest today of the horrific moment when his horse kicked out at nine-year-old rider Bonnie Armitage during a hunt meeting in the Cotswolds. Mr Gifford said he was cantering across a field at Miserden Park, near Stroud on his horse Harvey who is described as 'a lovely, calm, gentle giant' when the tragedy happened. "My horse went irregular," he said. "He just didn't feel right. Then I heard a yell. I looked back…. (story)Gloucestershire Live 11.5.17 Level of child supervision at hunt where Bonnie Armitage died 'was far short of what could be expected', inquest heard BY JOHN HAWKINS – The level of supervision of children at a Hunt meeting where nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage died after being kicked by a horse was 'far short of what could reasonably be expected,' an inquest was told today. Health and Safety expert Philip Park, who investigated her tragic death, said he believes children under eleven taking part in Hunts should be supervised by adults on a one-to-one basis…. (story)Mail 11.5.17 Schoolgirl, nine, on a Shetland pony died when a horse ridden by a circus boss kicked her in the chest during a fox hunt, inquest hears By Sam Tonkin For Mailonline - A schoolgirl on a Shetland pony died when a horse ridden by a circus boss kicked her in the chest during a fox hunt, an inquest has heard. Bonnie Armitage was fatally injured while out riding with her family as part of the tri-weekly Cotswold Hunt in April last year… (story)Sun 11.5.17 'KICKED TO DEATH BY HORSE' - Schoolgirl, nine, ‘died while riding pony with Cotswold Hunt when another horse kicked her straight in the chest’ By Brittany Vonow - A YOUNG girl died after being kicked in the chest by a horse as she rode along with the Cotswold Hunt, an inquest has heard. Bonnie Armitage was riding her Shetland pony Lindsay when she was kicked by another rider’s horse, with the fatally injured nine-year-old falling to the ground… (story)Mirror 11.5.17 Tragic 9-year-old girl killed on a hunt after being kicked by horse while riding her Shetland pony BY ROD MINCHIN - A tragic nine-year-old girl was killed when she was kicked by a horse while riding her pony in a hunt, an inquest heard. Little Bonnie Armitage suffered fatal injuries as she rode her Shetland pony Lindsay with the Cotswold Hunt on April 2 last year… (story)Aberdeen Evening Express 11.5.17 GIRL, 9, KILLED AFTER BEING KICKED BY HORSE WHILE RIDING SHETLAND PONY WITH HUNT, INQUEST TOLD - A nine-year-old girl riding with the Cotswold Hunt died when she was kicked in the chest by another horse, an inquest heard. Bonnie Armitage was riding her Shetland pony Lindsay when she was kicked by another rider’s horse and fell to the ground… (story)Telegraph 11.5.17 Girl, 9, on Shetland pony died when bigger horse 'got spooked and kicked her in the chest' - Nicola Harley - The nine-year-old granddaughter of a former chaplain to the Queen died after being kicked by another horse after it became spooked as she rode her Shetland pony with the Cotswold Hunt. Bonamie Armitage, known as Bonnie, was riding her eight-year-old pony Lindsay when she was kicked by another rider's larger horse and fell to the ground suffering fatal injuries. An inquest has been told the supervision of the five children on the hunt was "far short of what could reasonably be expected"... (story)BBC News Online 11.5.17 Girl, 9, died after being kicked by a horse while on a hunt - A nine-year-old girl died after she was kicked in the chest by a horse while riding her Shetland pony, an inquest heard. Bonnie Armitage was fatally injured while out with the Cotswold Hunt near Stroud, Gloucestershire, in April 2016.... (story)Star 11.5.17 Tragedy as schoolgirl, 9, killed after being 'kicked to death' by a horse By Siba Jackson - Bonnie Armitage, nine, was fatally hurt as she rode along with the Cotswold Hunt with her family. Bonnie had been riding her Shetland pony, Lindsey, when the larger nag in front struck her.... (story)Horse & Hound 12.4.16 Countryside Alliance chairman condemns trolls for online abuse after child’s death - Eleanor Jones - The chairman of the Countryside Alliance has denounced the “vile abuse” posted online in response to a nine-year-old girl’s death. Simon Hart MP condemned the “disgusting” trolls who made comments on social media about Bonamie Armitage, known as Bonnie, the young girl who died while following the Cotswold Hunt on 2 April… (story)Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard 7.4.16 Today's front page: Tributes pour in for nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage who died in horse riding accident - Jack Pitts (story)Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard 7.4.16 COMMENT: Sad death of nine-year-old showcases the best and worst of the internet - A TRAGEDY beset the Cotswolds this week as a young girl, just nine years old, was kicked by a horse while out with a local hunt group… As so often, the tragedy was followed by an outpouring of tributes as thousands of horse riders from across the world took to social media with pictures of themselves in blue… In the modern age it is lovely to see social media used as a force for good. However, on the other side of the coin, sites such as twitter and facebook are trawling grounds for the sad and lonely individuals we call trolls…. (story)BBC News 7.4.16 Hundreds of horse photos shared in tribute to Bonnie Armitage, 9 (story)Horsetalk 7.4.16 #BlueForBonnie honours young horse rider killed at hunt (story)Horse & Country 6.4.16 Tributes pour in for girl killed out hunting By Tom Parfitt (story)Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard 6.4.16 Nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage died from cardiac arrest while out horse riding, inquest hears - Jack Pitts (story)Oxfordshire Guardian 6.4.16 Oxfordshire schoolgirl killed after accident on The Cotswold Hunt (story)Star 6.4.16 Tragic Bonnie, 9, died from cardiac arrest after horse kicked her in chest By Bradley Jolly (story)Breitbart News 6.4.16 Sick Anti-Hunt Class Warriors Gloat Over Death of Nine Year Old Girl Killed While Hunting (story)Western Daily Press 6.4.16 Bonnie Armitage suffered a cardiac arrest after being kicked by a horse during hunt outing - The nine-year-old girl who died after taking part in a Gloucestershire hunt went into cardiac arrest after she was kicked in the chest by another rider's horse, an inquest heard yesterday…. (story)Western Daily Press 6.4.16 Police investigate trolls who targeted parents of Cotswold Hunt accident vicitm Bonnie Armitage (story)Banbury Cake 6.4.16 Nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage from West Hanney died from heart attack after being kicked by horse, inquest hears - Luke Sproule (story)Gloucestershire Echo 6.4.16 Bonnie Armitage, nine, died from cardiac arrest after being kicked by horse at Cotswold Hunt meeting (story)Gloucestershire Echo 6.4.16 Bonnie Armitage: Police looking for online trolls who targeted grieving parents (story)Stroud Life 6.4.16 Editor's comment: Something good out of a sad situation - The dreadfully sad events of Saturday in Miserden have cast a pall of sadness over this area, where so many love to ride. Bonnie Armitage was just nine-years-old and her sudden and unexpected death has been keenly felt - so many people have wanted to reach out and do something for her family.... no doubt they will be comforted by the simple show of support created by #blueforbonnie on social media websites…. (story)Sun 6.4.16 Police probe sick trolls who claim nine-year-old girl's death was 'karma' after she was killed from horse kick on hunt (story)Gloucestershire Echo 6.4.16 Cotswold Hunt leaders speak out after Bonnie Armitage, nine, dies after being kicked by horse - One of the leaders of the Cotswold Hunt yesterday said they did not know what else could have been done to protect Bonnie Armitage… (story)Gloucestershire Echo 6.4.16 Thousands share #blueforbonnie tweets paying tribute to girl who died in Cotswold Hunt accident By Giulia Crouch (story)Oxford Mail 6.4.16 Tributes paid to nine-year-old girl Bonnie Armitage from West Hanney who died after being kicked by a horse - Michael Race (story)Independent 6.4.16 Bonnie Armitage: Online trolls target family of nine-year-old girl killed on Cotswold hunt - Rod Minchin (story)Metro 6.4.16 People are trolling family of girl, 9, killed at hunt (story)Evening Standard 6.4.16 Bonnie Armitage: Vile trolls post sick taunts after nine-year-old girl is killed on hunt - JAMIE BULLEN (story)Mirror 6.4.16 Sick hunt saboteurs troll family of girl, nine, tragically kicked to death by a horse BY JESSICA HAWORTH , SHANTI DAS (story)ITV 6.4.16 Online trolls target family of nine-year-old killed by horse (story)Yahoo! News 6.4.16 Cruel Trolls Target Family Of Nine-Year-Old Girl Killed On Hunt (story)Spectator 5.4.16 The anti-hunt mob have reached a new low - Camilla Swift - Last Saturday, on 2 April, 9-year-old Bonnie Armitage was killed by a kick from a horse. This tragic accident could have happened anywhere – at the yard, at a pony club camp, on a fun ride – but as it happened, it was at the closing meet of the Cotswold Hunt. This last aspect of the accident is what so many people seem to have a problem with: people are now using her death as an excuse to reignite the hunting debate. Many of the comments – on numerous newspaper websites and on social media – are utterly vile, and don’t bear reading, let alone repeating…. (story)Western Daily Press 5.4.16 Cotswold Hunt leader speaks out on the protection of Bonnie Armitage, 9, before her tragic death - One of the leaders of the Cotswold Hunt yesterday said they did not know what else could have been done to protect Bonnie Armitage…. He said fellow riders had been replaying the incident "over and over" since Saturday, and condemned trolls who were writing online messages…. (story)Gloucester Citizen 5.4.16 Trolls target Bonnie Armitage, 9, killed during hunt (story)Stroud Life 5.4.16 Bonnie Armitage: Horse riders unite with #blueforbonnie photos By Ben_Falconer (story)Bath Chronicle 5.4.16 Trolls target nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage who died in hunt accident By alexbrown78 (story)Plymouth Herald/Western Morning News 5.4.16 Riders across Westcountry in #blueforbonnie tribute to girl who died after she was kicked by horse By WMNDavidWells (story)Western Daily Press 5.4.16 Cotswold Hunt leader speaks out on the protection of Bonnie Armitage, 9, before her tragic death (story)BBC News Online 5.4.16 Parents pay tribute to hunt riding death girl Bonnie Armitage, 9 (story)Horse & Hound 5.4.16 Riders pay tribute to young girl with #BlueForBonnie campaign (story)Daily Record 5.4.16 Horse riders pay tribute to tragic nine-year-old killed in a riding accident using #blueforbonnie BY ROD MINCHIN (story)Herald 5.4.16 Riders pay Facebook tribute to girl who died after being kicked by horse (story)Guardian 5.4.16 ‘Disgusting’ trolls target family of girl, 9, killed on Cotswold hunt (story)Express 5.4.16 Sick internet trolls target grieving family of girl who died after being kicked by a horse By CYRIL DIXON (story)Stroud News & Journal 5.4.16 #blueforbonnie goes viral as horse riders pay tribute to nine-year-old who died in the Cotswolds (story)ITV 5.4.16 'Blue for Bonnie' tributes paid to girl who died after falling from horse (story)ITV 4.4.16 Nine year old girl dies after falling from horse (story)Sun 5.4.16 Vile online trolls target tragic 9-year-old girl killed when she was kicked by a horse on a hunt By TOM GILLESPIE - SICK online trolls have made vile comments about a tragic nine-year-old girl who was killed when she was kicked by a horse on a hunt. Bonnie Armitage fell from the saddle of her Shetland pony Lindsay after she was struck in the chest in a "freak accident". Ruthless anti-hunt campaigners have seized on the opportunity to promote their cause by posting heartless comments about her death. Facebook user Jen Simpson wrote: "Fox 1 - 0 Murderous parents"…. Sheron Eastham added: "Tragic and unnecessary but nothing good comes from bloodlust. "How different it would be if her parents hadn't put her at risk." Another critic, Elaine Whitelaw, said Bonnie's death was "a high price to pay" for introducing her to the "vile" sport…. (story)Sun 5.4.16 Pictured: Tragic schoolgirl, nine, who died after being kicked off her pony (story)Western Daily Press 5.4.16 Online trolls target Bonnie Armitage, 9, and her family after the Cotswold Hunt tragedy - Online trolls have targeted the tragic nine-year-old girl killed when she was kicked by a horse as she rode with a hunt…. Writing on a Facebook page for hunt saboteurs, Susan Cattell said: "Why complain when karma comes a-calling. Shame the hounds didn't rip her apart at the same time (sic)."… (story)Gloucestershire Echo 5.4.16 Bonnie Armitage: Trolls post sick comments after girl, nine, dies after being kicked by horse (story)Gloucestershire Echo 5.4.16 Bonnie Armitage: #blueforbonnie photos to show support for her family - Horse riders are uniting in support of the family of nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage, who died in a horse riding accident at the weekend. Thousands of riders from across the world are posting photographs of themselves wearing something blue while riding, on Facebook under the hashtag #blueforbonnie - blue was her favourite colour…. (story)Telegraph 5.4.16 Anti-hunt protesters target family of nine-year-old killed by horse - Online trolls have targeted the family of a nine-year-old girl who was kicked by a horse and killed while taking part in a hunt…. (story)Mail 5.4.16 Sick hunt saboteurs troll family of girl, nine, kicked to death by horse while hunting with vile comments including 'shame the hounds didn’t rip her apart at the same time' By RICHARD SPILLETT FOR MAILONLINE (story)Star 5.4.16 'Karma comes a-calling' Shameless anti-hunt trolls target horse-kick victim Bonnie, 9 - A HEARTLESS online troll has said it's a shame "hounds didn't rip apart" a nine-year-old girl who died after being kicked by a horse…. (story)Horse & Hound 5.4.16 ‘Bonnie was a wonderful person who touched hearts’ (story)Gloucestershire Gazette 5.4.16 'She touched the hearts of everyone who knew her' - Parents pay tribute to Bonnie Armitage, nine, who died in Miserden horse-riding accident (story)Gloucester Citizen 5.4.16 Bonnie Armitage: Riders unite with #blueforbonnie pictures By Ben_Falconer - Horse riders are uniting in support of the family of nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage, who died in a horse riding accident at the weekend. Thousands of riders from across the world are posting photographs of themselves wearing something blue while riding, on Facebook under the hashtag #blueforbonnie - blue was her favourite colour… (story)Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard 5.4.16 #blueforbonnie goes viral as horse riders pay tribute to nine-year-old who died in the Cotswolds Jack Pitts, Reporter - HORSE riders around the world are using the hashtag #blueforbonnie to pay tribute to nine-year-old Bonnie Armitage who died in an accident this weekend. The young horse enthusiast was out with the Cotswold Hunt on Saturday when she kicked by a horse…. (story)Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard 5.4.16 Parents: Nine-year-old girl who died in horse riding accident was "beautiful, vivacious and compassionate” (story)Telegraph 4.4.16 Girl, nine, dies after horse-riding accident with Cotswold Hunt - David Barrett Lexi Finnigan - A nine-year-old girl riding a pony with the Cotswold Hunt suffered fatal injuries after being kicked by a horse. Bonamie Armitage, known as ‘Bonnie’, was riding close her Shetland pony, Lindsay, behind a larger horse which kicked out, striking the child in the chest, during the last hunt of the season… (story)Independent 4.4.16 Nine-year-old girl dies after horse-riding accident with Cotswold Hunt - The Cotswold Hunt said their meeting was 'over-shadowed by the tragic death' - A nine-year-old girl has been killed in a horse-riding accident while out trail-hunting….The statement from the Hunt's Joint Masters said the child "sustained what proved to be fatal injuries in an accident in the hunting field, and slipped away after strenuous efforts by the Air Ambulance Team and Paramedics. As soon as it was realised that a child was fighting for their life, hounds were taken home immediately and trail hunting cancelled. A sense of shock and sadness is with us all as we try to come to terms with the family’s overwhelming loss and grief, and we hope that the strength of our community together with the power of our prayers and the sincerity of our condolences will be of some comfort to the family. In truth we find it hard to write this, as a young life lost is very, very hard to bear."… (story)Gloucester Citizen 4.4.16 Nine-year-old girl dies after falling from horse in Gloucestershire By Ben_Falconer (story)Gloucester Citizen 4.4.16 Cotswold Hunt organisers speak after death of nine-year-old girl (story)Gloucester Citizen 4.4.16 Prayers for Bonnie Armitage, nine, after horse riding tragedy By Ben_Falconer (story)Gloucestershire Echo 4.4.16 Tributes to Bonnie Armitage, nine, who died after 'being kicked by a horse' near Cirencester (story)Gloucestershire Echo 4.4.16 Bonnie Armitage: Parents' tribute to 'compassionate' girl who died in Cotswold Hunt horse accident (story)Horse & Hound 4.4.16 Nine-year-old girl dies in hunting accident (story)Mail 4.4.16 Parents of 'beautiful and vivacious' girl, 9, who died when another horse kicked her in the chest as she rode her pony with Cotswold Hunt tell of their heartbreak (story)BBC News 4.4.16 Girl killed in Cotswold Hunt horse-riding accident named (story)Huffington Post 4.4.16 Nine-Year-Old Girl ‘Kicked To Death By Horse While Out With Cotswold Hunt’ - Sarah Ann Harris - (story)Express 4.4.16 Tributes for girl, nine, who died in horse riding accident while taking part in a hunt By PETER HENN AND LAURA MOWAT (story)Stroud Life 4.4.16 Girl, nine, dies after falling from horse near Stroud By Ben_Falconer (story)Western Gazette 4.4.16 Nine-year-old girl killed in The Cotswold Hunt (story)Western Daily Press 4.4.16 Parents of 'beautiful' girl,9, killed in Cotswold Hunt tragedy say nobody to blame (story)Western Daily Press 4.4.16 Cotswold Hunt tragedy: 'loss and grief is overwhelming' after freak death of Bonnie Armitage, 9 By TristanCork (story)Western Daily Press 4.4.16 LATEST: Girl, 9, killed in The Cotswold Hunt riding tragedy, gets named (story)Western Daily Press 4.4.16 UPDATE: Girl, 9, killed in The Cotswold Hunt tragedy was kicked by another horse while riding (story)Western Daily Press 4.4.16 Girl, 9, dies after Cotswold Hunt horse-riding accident near Stroud (story)Wells Journal 4.4.16 Girl, 9, killed by horse in Cotswold Hunt was "bright, kind, compassionate" (story)Bath Chronicle 4.4.16 Girl, nine, dies after accident during organised horse riding event near Stroud - regional news By SamPetherick (story)Guardian 4.4.16 Girl dies after being kicked by horse while riding pony (story)Mirror 4.4.16 Bonnie Armitage: First picture of girl, 9, who died after being kicked by horse during hunt event BY SAM ADAMS (story)Bournemouth Echo 4.4.16 'Truly lovely' nine-year-old girl died after being kicked by horse during hunt (story)Metro 4.4.16 Girl dies after falling off her horse during hunt - Richard Hartley-Parkinson (story)Oxford Times 4.4.16 Nine-year-old girl Bonnie Armitage from West Hanney dies after being kicked by a horse at the Cotswold Hunt (story)

South Wales Echo 12.5.17 No place for blood sports in Britain - Oscar Wilde described fox hunting as “the unspeakable chasing the uneatable” – a sentiment that, 12 years after the Hunting Act came into force, continues to reflect the views of British public, 84% of whom find the idea of frightened foxes being torn to shreds by packs of hounds deeply offensive.... Elisa Allen, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, London (story)

Aberdeen Evening Press 12.5.17 TAIL DOCKING BAN EXEMPTION VIEWS BEING SOUGHT BY MSPS - MSPs are seeking views on whether Scotland should lift an outright ban on the shortening of puppy dog tails. Holyrood’s Environment Committee is looking at proposals that will allow the procedure in certain circumstances. The Scottish Government brought in the ban on tail docking in 2007 as part of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006... (story)

Northumberland Gazette 12.5.17 Reducing risk of wildfires - BEN O’CONNELL - The Countryside Alliance has launched a new awareness campaign on wildfires, using two Northumberland case studies. Wildfires have the capability to devastate farmland, wildlife and protected habitats, as well as the lives of people living and working in rural communities. The risk in springtime is particularly prevalent as dead vegetation left over from the winter, higher temperatures and lower humidity levels can come together with deadly effect. The Countryside Alliance wishes to raise the awareness of the risk and potential damage of wildfires, and educate on the measures that can be taken to reduce those risks.... (story)

Dorset Echo 12.5.17 Dorset revealed as one of country's hotspots for badger persecution - Rene Gerryts - DORSET is one of the top six locations for reported cases of badger persecution in the country. Now members of the county’s police force have attended a training course on badger persecution run by the Badger Trust and Naturewatch Foundation... (story)Police Professional 11.5.17 New standards ‘sett’ for badger protection - Dorset Police’s Rural Crimes Unit recently had a field trip to a local farm to help officers learn more about protecting badgers. The training, organised by the Badger Trust and Naturewatch Foundation, provided insights into the animals’ ecology and behaviour, wildlife crime legislation and the law concerning their protection... According to Andy Swinburne, a former wildlife crime officer, forces do not always effectively deal with badger persecution as wildlife crime training is not a compulsory subject on the National Police Curriculum.... (story)

Wiltshire Gazette & Herald 12.5.17 Wiltshire Vegan Fair returns - Stefan Mackley - THE Wiltshire Vegan Fair is back by popular demand after a successful first year and will take place in Chippenham this weekend. Taking place in the Neeld on Sunday (May 14) from 10am-4pm, a range of foods will be on offer, from pies and pizza, to cakes and ice-cream.... (story)

11.5.17

KILLEGO GRANGE & CANARY HUNT CLUB COURT CASEBelfast Telegraph 11.5.17 Hunt club loses appeal against £62,000 payout over dead pigeons - The Countryside Alliance has lost its appeal against a Co Armagh pigeon fancier being awarded £62,000 damages for the alleged slaughter of his stock by hunt club hounds. Senior judges in Belfast today rejected arguments that the killing of 59 racing birds by dogs breaking into Maurice Weir's premises on the Kinnego Road in Loughgall eight years ago never happened.... (story)BBC News Online 11.5.17 Countryside Alliance loses pigeon appeal - The Countryside Alliance has lost its appeal against a pigeon fancier being awarded damages for the alleged slaughter of his birds by hunting dogs. Senior judges in Belfast rejected arguments that the killing of 59 racing birds by hounds from a local hunt club never happened... (story)Irish News 11.5.17 Countryside Alliance loses appeal over dead pigeon pay out - THE Countryside Alliance has lost its appeal against a Co Armagh pigeon fancier being awarded £62,000 damages for the alleged slaughter of his stock by hunt club hounds. Senior judges in Belfast today rejected arguments that the killing of 59 racing birds by dogs breaking into Maurice Weir's premises on the Kinnego Road in Loughgall eight years ago never happened.... (story)Belfast Telegraph 10.3.17 £60k award for racing pigeons killed by hunt's dogs contested By Alan Erwin - An award of more than £60,000 to a pigeon fancier for the slaughter of his stock by hunt club hounds should be overturned due to issues of credibility, the Court of Appeal has heard. Lawyers for the Countryside Alliance are challenging a ruling that the dogs destroyed 59 of Maurice Weir's racing birds after breaking into his premises in Loughgall, Co Armagh, eight years ago.... (story)Belfast Newsletter 9.3.17 Lawyers challenge ruling that dogs slaughtered racing pigeons - An award of more than £60,000 to a pigeon fancier for the alleged slaughter of his stock by hunt club hounds should be overturned due to issues of credibility, Lawyers for the Countryside Alliance are challenging a ruling that the dogs destroyed 59 of Maurice Weir’s racing birds after breaking into his premises in Loughgall, Co Armagh eight years ago. They argued that it had been a fraudulent and fabricated claim. Mr Weir sued the Alliance over the alleged intrusion into his property by the Kinnego Grange and Canary Hunt Club’s animals.... (story)Belfast Telegraph 16.2.16 Armagh pigeon fancier wins £60k damages after hunt hounds kill birds - A pigeon fancier is to be awarded more than £60,000 in damages for having his stock killed by hounds from a local hunt club, a High Court judge ruled today…. Mr Weir sued the Countryside Alliance over the alleged intrusion into his property by the Kinnego Grange and Canary Hunt Club's animals… (story)BBC News Online 16.2.16 Countryside Alliance sued after hunting dogs killed 59 racing pigeons - A pigeon fancier who lost 59 racing pigeons after hunting dogs strayed onto his property and killed the birds is to receive more than £60,000 in damages. Maurice Weir told a court he witnessed a "bloodbath" when hounds from a local hunt club attacked the birds on his land in Loughgall, County Armagh. He sued the Countryside Alliance over the intrusion by the Kinnego Grange and Canary Hunt Club's dogs in 2009…. (story)

The Herald 11.5.17 Campaigners back proposals to ban use of wild animals in circuses - Plans to ban the use of wild animals in circuses performing in Scotland have been welcomed by campaigners. The Scottish Government has set out measures to strengthen animal welfare legislation, with a bill to ban the use of any wild animal in a circus on ethical grounds.... (story)Sunday Post 11.5.17 Campaigners welcome Scottish bid to ban wild animal circuses Written by Gillian Furmage - ANIMAL protection organisations have welcomed publication of the Scottish Government Bill to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in Scotland. OneKind, Animal Defenders International, Born Free Foundation and Captive Animals’ Protection Society have all highlighted the inherent welfare issues and ethical concerns associated with the use of wild animals in performances... (story)

Eastern Daily Press 11.5.17 Are we winning the fight against American mink across Norfolk? - ANDREW STONE - Alien mink have for years wreaked havoc on aquatic birdlife and water vole populations across Norfolk. Increasing numbers of alien mink have for years wreaked havoc on aquatic birdlife and water vole populations across Norfolk. However, a trapping project started in 2003 to cull their numbers is making headway in the fight against the invasive species.... (story)

9.5.17

iNews 9.5.17 Foxhunting, my family and me - Nature writer Lucy Jones believed that fox hunting was abhorrent, but, before she was born, her beloved grandfather had joined in keenly. She decided to experience a hunt herself to find out why... . It was challenging to find a meet that would accept a journalist, but eventually a footpack in Cumbria that my grandparents sometimes supported said I could come along... The Master welcomed me warmly, saying they received lots of visitors to the Blencathra, because of its history since the early 19th century, and were happy to do so... The foxhounds were let out of the vehicle by Barry Todhunter, a well-known and aptly named huntsman for more than four decades with impressive sideburns.... (story)

iNews 9.5.17 How Tories plan to bring back fox hunting despite internal opposition Karl McDonald - Conservatives in favour of bringing back fox-hunting are preparing a major election push to ensure the party has a big enough majority to drown out anti-hunting Tories, according to a leaked letter. Lord Mancroft, a Tory peer who heads the Council of Hunting Associations, wrote that “a majority of 50 or more would give us a real opportunity to repeal the Hunting Act”... (story)Mirror 8.5.17 Secret Tory plot to bring back fox hunting has masters 'mobilising' support for Theresa May BYJACK BLANCHARD - Fox hunt masters are secretly “mobilising” support for Theresa May and believe the general election “is the chance we have been waiting for” to repeal the hunting ban. A leaked email from the chairman of the Council of Hunting Associations, Lord Mancroft, urges hunt masters to “mobilise supporters” and campaign for pro-hunting Tories in marginal seats...

(story)Mirror 8.5.17 'This could be the chance we've been waiting for': Fox hunt bosses' leaked Tory campaign email in full BYJACK BLANCHARD - Tonight, the Mirror revealed fox hunt masters' secret plan to round up support for Theresa May, because they believe a Tory landslide would lead to the fox hunting ban being scrapped.... (story)

8.5.17

Dundee Courier 8.5.17 Call for traps ban after grisly snares discovered on Perthshire estate - An animal rights group is calling for tougher laws on wildlife traps after a series of grisly snares were found at a Perthshire estate. The lures use fox and deer carcasses as bait to attract predators, in a bid to protect pheasants and grouse for shooting parties.... (story)Scottish Sun 6.5.17 CULL OF THE WILD By Sam Durkin - THESE gruesome images show fox and deer carcasses left to rot as bait for legal animal snares that inflict horror injuries on other wildlife — and even pets. The grisly “stink pit” lures are geared to attract predators near money-spinning gaming estates to protect pheasants and grouse for shooting parties. But campaigners are demanding a blanket ban on “cruel and indiscriminate” traps amid claims many of the tens of thousands of snares set in Scotland are hidden near walking routes and family attractions, posing a serious threat to unwary dog owners... (story)

SCOTTISH RURAL AWARDSFife Today 8.5.17 Scottish Rural Awards guests raise over £4,000 for charity - A fundraising effort by guests at the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards has raised more than £4,000 for breast cancer recovery charity Casting For Recovery. Over 400 guests at the event, which took place on Thursday 16th March, took part in a whisky raffle to raise a total of £4,763.70 for Casting For Recovery, a charitable fly fishing therapy programme for ladies recovering from breast cancer. Casting for Recovery has been in operation in the UK and Ireland for 10 years, and is run by The Countryside Alliance Foundation... (story)Northern Times 24.3.17 Top rural award for Reay Forest Estate - A SUTHERLAND estate is celebrating following an award win at the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards last week. The Reay Forest Estate, near Lairg, was awarded a highly commended in the education category, with the judging panel praising the estate’s diverse range of apprenticeships. The overall winner in the education category was North Highland College UHI’s gamekeeping department, with community learning organisation Peebles CAN in the Scottish Borders taking away the runner up award in the category. Clachtoll Holidays, Lochinver, was also a finalist in the rural enterprise category.... (story)Kincardineshire Observer 22.3.17 Rural employer accolade for Macphie - Mearns-based and Scotland’s leading independent food ingredient manufacturer, Macphie, has been named as one of the top rural employers in the country at the Scottish Rural Awards. Based south of Stonehaven in Glenbervie, Macphie received runner-up in the Rural Employer of the Year award for its achievements in promoting itself as an employer of choice, through its focus on its workforce and the strong links it enjoys with the local community... (story)Border Telegraph 22.3.17 Rural recognition for the Borders at annual awards bash - BORDERS businesses and organisations were honoured last week at the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards. The Awards are described as the ultimate benchmark of success in Scotland's countryside... Charley and Andrea Walker, of Barnside Farm near Duns, were the overall winners in the Agriculture category, with the judging panel praising the couple’s work as ‘perhaps the perfect farming enterprise’. Not-for-profit community organisation Peebles CAN was the runner up in the Education category. Peebles CAN tackle climate change with a series of projects in and around the town. The Buccleuch Arms in St Boswells took away a Highly Commended in the Rural Hospitality category... (story)Southern Reporter 21.3.17 Buccleuch Arms picks up top rural hospitality award - KATHRYN WYLIE - A St Boswells hotel is celebrating following an award win at the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards last week. The Buccleuch Arms picked up highly commended status in the rural hospitality category of the awards held at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh last Thursday, March 16... (story)Scotland Food & Drink 20.3.17 Macphie Receives Rural Employer Accolade - Scotland’s leading independent food ingredient manufacturer Macphie was last night (Thursday) named as one of the top rural employers in the country at the Scottish Rural Awards. Based south of Stonehaven in Glenbervie, Macphie received runner-up in the Rural Employer of the Year award for its achievements in promoting itself as an employer of choice, through its focus on its workforce and the strong links it enjoys with the local community... (story)Arbroath Herald 18.3.17 Two Angus firms excel at rural awards - Two Angus businesses are celebrating following award wins at the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards. Ogilvy Spirits, by Glamis, won the runner up award in the conservation and the environment category for their sustainable approach to potato farming and 100 per cent traceable vodka production, while precision farming specialists SoilEssentials Ltd, by Brechin, took home a highly commended in the agriculture category. Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery, at Inverkeilor, by Arbroath, was also a finalist in the artisan drink category.... (story)Oban Times 14.12.16 Nine Argyll businesses shortlisted for Scottish Rural Awards - Oban Phoenix Cinema and Cologin Chalets and The Barn Bar are among the Argyll businesses to reach the final in the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards. The awards are the ultimate benchmark of success in Scotland’s countryside, highlighting the enterprise, skill and innovation of those who live and work in rural areas… Now in their third year, the Scottish Rural Awards are partnered by Scottish Field magazine, part of Wyvex Media Ltd, which also owns The Oban Times, and the Scottish Countryside Alliance, and backed by a number of sponsors for 2017, including Aldi, the Bank of Scotland and Subaru…. (story)Scotland Food & Drink 8.8.16 Scottish Rural Awards Open For Nominations - Nominations for the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards opened this week, with calls for businesses across Scotland's countryside to get involved. The awards, now in their third year, are partnered by Scottish Field and the Scottish Countryside Alliance and backed by a host of category sponsors, including Aldi, the Bank of Scotland and the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland… (story)

7.5.17

Northern Echo 7.5.17 See moment South Durham Hunt chairman comes a spectacular cropper - and wins photo competition! - THE moment a County Durham huntsman was thrown from his horse has reigned supreme in a national photography competition for the 'top tumble'. Out of hundreds of photos sent in from hunts across the UK and Ireland, a sequence of South Durham Hunt chairman Barry Johnson and his horse, Carlo, falling with the Hurworth Hunt, won the Countryside Alliance Hunt Tumblers’ Club contest for the 2016-17 season... (story)Horse & Hound 21.4.17 Fall crowned hunting’s top tumble of 2016/17 season - Eleanor Jones - South Durham Hunt chairman Barry Johnson has won the prize no one wants – the top tumble of the year. The Countryside Alliance has named Mr Johnson and his horse Carlo’s fall – in which the rider broke ribs, but the horse was unhurt – as the tumble of the season. The sequence of images, judged the best of hundreds of pictures sent in from across the UK and Ireland, was taken by Amy Fair. Ms Fair is the official photographer of the Hurworth Hunt, the pack with which Mr Johnson was out on the day of his fall.... Highly commended tumblers were Dave White, who fell while out with the Kimblewick and was caught on camera by Greg Knight of Rural Shots Photography, and Jordan Jeffrey, who was out with the Cheshire Drag and captured by Al Johnston of Al Johnston Photography....

Sunday Independent 7.5.17 Turning coursing fields back to crops - I applaud the proposed sale of Harold's Cross Greyhound racing track for the building of much-needed schools. I suggest it be followed up with the sale of the country's coursing fields. Most of these are used only for one or two days annually for so-called "sporting" purposes and lie idle for the remainder of the year... John Fitzgerald, Callan, Co Kilkenny (letter)

The Sun 7.5.17 'DADDY, CAN WE KILL A FOX TONIGHT?' - By Paul Harper - THIS six-year-old girl dreams of killing a fox and joins her dad when he goes out hunting the animals in woods near their home. Lexie Kelly watches on as her firearms expert father Graeme spots the creatures using night-vision equipment before firing the fatal shot... The youngster learns how to track foxes when she joins her dad on shoots to control fox numbers near their house in Cardenden, Fife... (story)

5.5.17

Huffington Post 5.5.17 Most Significant Election Ever For Hunting Act - Eduardo Goncalves - As soon as Theresa May stepped out onto Downing Street, and announced that the country would go to the polls on June 8th, it was battle stations not just for political parties, but for organisations across the country... it’s no exaggeration to say that this is the most significant election ever for the Hunting Act. For the first time since the Hunting Act was passed in 2004, there is the serious possibility of an election returning a pro-hunt majority in Parliament.... (story)

STV 5.5.17 Gamekeeper accused of killing bird has charges dropped - Chris Foote - Prosecutors have dropped charges against a gamekeeper accused of illegally shooting a bird of prey. RSPB Scotland handed a video reportedly showing the killing to the Crown in June 2013. Prosecutors decided it would not be admissible in court, however, partly because it was filmed secretly. RSPB Scotland has written to the lord advocate seeking an "urgent meeting" to discuss the decision.... (story)Original106 5.5.17 RSPB Scotland “extremely frustrated” after hen harrier killing charges dropped - RSPB Scotland says it is “extremely frustrated” after court proceedings against a former gamekeeper accused of shooting a hen harrier in Banffshire were dropped... After reviewing all evidence available to them prosecutors dropped the case on Friday, just a few weeks before a scheduled trial... (story)Aberdeen Evening Express 5.5.17 RSPB ‘APPALLED AND FRUSTRATED’ AT NON-PROSECUTION OVER HEN HARRIER’S DEATH - A wildlife charity is calling for an urgent meeting with prosecutors after they dropped charges against a former gamekeeper accused of illegally shooting a bird of prey. RSPB Scotland said one of its cameras at Cabrach in Moray recorded evidence suggesting that a hen harrier had been illegally killed in June 2013. The camera was monitoring the active nest of a breeding pair of hen harriers on the Cabrach Estate. However the Crown Office said the evidence would not be admissible in court.... (story)

4.5.17

Farming UK 4.5.17 General election: Countryside Alliance releases 'rural charter' - The Countryside Alliance has produced a general election manifesto for the countryside which highlights several key issues... The rural organisation's manifesto sees tackling rural crime and increasing the provision of affordable rural housing to ensuring universal access to high speed broadband as key asks. It also asks for an emphasis from the government to ensure it favours British food and produce, by supporting farmers. The organisation also wants to repeal the Hunting Act and recognise the value of shooting and fishing.... (story)

Farmers Weekly 4.5.17 Twitter row erupts over badgers’ role in hedgehog decline - Philip Case - A Twitter row has broken out between farmers and the RSPCA over claims and denials that badgers are partly to blame for a decline in hedgehog numbers. Welsh hill farmer Gareth Wyn Jones said he was delighted to see hedgehogs feature on BBC Countryfile and he asked the RSPCA on Twitter whether the increasing badger population was affecting their numbers... David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, replied: “No evidence of badger population impacting on the hedgehog – standard lazy response from a farmer #factsimportant”... Farmers then tweeted a link to a Defra-funded report published in the journal Plos One which found that hedgehog numbers increased when badgers were removed from an area.... Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, accused the RSPCA of “being blinkered” on the issue and “unable to accept the evidence”.... (story)

Telegraph 4.5.17 A Dog’s Purpose, animal rights and Hollywood: why it's time for a grown-up solution - REBECCA HAWKES - For dog lovers, almost any film can be improved by a canine cameo or two... Titles in which real animals allegedly get mistreated on set, in contrast, are much less popular. A Dog’s Purpose, a tear-jerking Lasse Hallström drama about a family pet that is reincarnated several times over, is released in UK cinemas this Friday... After the video, which is certainly upsetting to watch, was published by the website TMZ, the animal rights organisation PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) were quick to call for a boycott of the film. But rebuttals from those involved in the project, and the revelation that the footage had been partially edited to paint a somewhat misleading picture, soon led to doubts about whether PETA’s directive was really necessary... (story)

3.5.17

Guardian 3.5.17 Why the environment must be at the heart of the UK general election - As party leaders prepare to sign off on their election manifestos, we would like to draw their attention to a policy that has the overwhelming support of the British public. While 52% of British people voted to leave the EU, 84% want the ban on hunting foxes to stay, according to the latest Ipsos Mori data... Eduardo Goncalves Chief executive, League Against Cruel Sports, Jeremy CooperChief executive, RSPCA, Anne Brummer CEO, Save Me Trust, Philip MansbridgeDirector, IFAW-UK, Bill Oddie President, League Against Cruel Sports, Dr Brian MayFounder, Save Me Trust, Chris Packham, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Peter Egan (story)

Maidenhead Advertiser 3.5.17 Animal rights activists stage mobile farm protest - Will Taylor - A group of animal rights activists staged a protest at a spring family fun day at Braywick Heath Nurseries on Saturday. The protest was against the presence of Basil and Crew at the event, in Braywick Road, where the mobile farm was providing animals for children to pet... A spokesman for the demonstrators, 26-year-old Kriz Wood, an animal health professional, alleged the Maidenhead-based firm sent its animals to the slaughterhouse when they reached the end of their useful lives.... (story)

2.5.17

Northern Echo 2.5.17 Disproportionate amount of attention placed on foxhunting -WHEN Marjorie Embling (HAS, May 1) mistakenly states that I “more or less” support foxhunting, she is missing the point. The attention on foxhunting is disproportionate to the size of the issue, allowing more widespread abuse to go unnoticed. Studies show that animal abusers are overwhelmingly male, of low socioeconomic status and have experienced a violent upbringing. Chasing foxes on horseback is not a recognised indicator... J Stanhope, Durham (story)Northern Echo 27.4.17 As an animal welfare campaigner my views on fox hunting may surprise some - HARRY MEAD’S comments on fox hunting (Echo, Apr 26) highlight an irrelevance. Animal welfare issues urgently need addressing by all in society and should not be reduced to the status of political pop-up at election time. By chance, I saw my first fox hunt recently. Having spent decades as an animal welfare campaigner, dog behaviourist and vegetarian, I did not expect the profound change of view which occurred. Firstly, the dogs and horses were in spectacular condition, both physically and mentally, unlike the sad, under-exercised, often-neurotic pets of my neighbourhood. Secondly, the hunts people were friendly, informative and devoted to good animal husbandry and the health of the environment.... Jacqueline Stanhope, Durham (story)

Farming UK 2.5.17 Welsh farmer's anguish as fox kills one lamb a day for three weeks - Meirion Jones, who farms in Meirionnydd valley, has collected 27 dead lambs since lambing season began. He has also saved two critically injured lambs with head wounds. Mr Jones said the foxes are harbouring in the adjacent Coed Cwm Mynach, a 1,000-acre woodland owned and managed by Coed Coed (the Woodland Trust)... (story)

Mail 2.5.17 Vegan is horrified to discover he ate meat for the first time in five years after a his takeaway lentil pasta accidentally contained BEEF By James Dunn For Mailonline - A vegan was horrified to discover he had eaten meat for the first time in five years after a restaurant accidentally gave him a beef bolognese instead of a lentil dish. James Smith, who lives in Salford Quays, ordered a gluten-free lentil ragu costing £8.95 from chain restaurant Zizzi via home delivery app Deliveroo... Mr Smith said he has been vegetarian for four years and more recently became vegan, with this being the first time in five years he has eaten meat.... (story)

1.5.17

Dundee Courier 1.5.17 Farmer receives death threats after shooting dog in sheep worrying incident by Kirsty McIntosh - A farmer has received death threats after shooting a dog that savaged his sheep at a farm in Fife. Dave Bell has been targeted by animal lovers after being accused of tying the Siberian husky to a tractor and killing it at the Balcarres Estate in Colinsburgh... (story)

East Lothian Courier 1.5.17 Anti-greyhound racing campaigners protest outside bookies Ladbrokes in Haddington to protest Wallyford stadium - Marie Sharp - ANTI-GREYHOUND racing campaigners took to the streets of Haddington in support of a petition calling for action to stop a stadium being built in Wallyford. Representatives of CagedNW (Nationwide), joined other retired greyhound owners to raise awareness of the dogs as pets, and plans for the stadium.... (story)